ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE

Local Government: Suffolk

David Ruffley: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission how many Boundary Committee employees have visited Suffolk for the purposes of their work on the reorganisation of local government in Suffolk; what the duration of the stay was of each such visit; and what the cost was of  (a) accommodation and  (b) subsistence in respect of each such visit.

Gary Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that seven Boundary Committee staff visited Suffolk in connection with the structural review of local government in Suffolk.
	The Commission further informs me that as the reviews of Suffolk and Norfolk were closely linked in the Secretary of State's request for advice, meetings in the two counties were frequently held on the same day, or on consecutive days. Accommodation and subsistence costs relating to these meetings were recorded together.
	The total accommodation and subsistence cost of the visits to Suffolk, calculated where necessary on a pro rata basis according to the proportion of time spent at Suffolk meetings, was £1564.38. I will write to the hon. Member with a detailed breakdown of these costs and will place a copy of my letter in the Library.

Postal Votes

Eric Pickles: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission what recent estimate the Electoral Commission has made of the average proportion of returned postal votes sent back to local authorities within 24 hours of close of poll in each of the last five years.

Gary Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that there is no requirement for returning officers to record the number of postal ballot packs received in any period before the close of poll. Returning officers are required to report the number of postal ballot packs returned in the 25 days after the close of poll, including those which were deemed undeliverable by the Royal Mail, and the latest figures are available on the Commission website at:
	www.electoralcommission.org.uk
	Returning officers are not required to provide information relating solely to the period of 24 hours after close of poll.

DEFENCE

Armed Forces: Expenses

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces received annual remuneration, including benefits, of at least £100,000 in the latest year for which figures are available.

Kevan Jones: There are currently 800 out of 174,890 members of the armed forces that are paid in excess of £100,000. 674 of these are in the medical and dental professions reflecting the special skills they are required to hold. The remainder are senior officers in a variety of strategic leadership and senior command appointments.

Armed Forces: Furniture

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on household furniture for properties occupied by members of the armed forces with a rank of Brigadier or equivalent and above.

Kevan Jones: The information is not held in the format requested.
	Furniture is made available for all members of the armed forces who occupy public accommodation if it is requested and a charge for its use is reflected in the rent deducted from the occupant. There is no requirement to separately account for the furniture provided to all officers of 1 Star status and above.

Armed Forces: Housing

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on accommodation for members of the armed forces with a rank of Brigadier or equivalent and above in each of the last 12 months.

Kevan Jones: holding answer 8 February 2010
	The information is not held in the format requested.
	Members of the armed forces are entitled to live in publicly funded accommodation. Where this is not available, accommodation will be provided through either substitute service single accommodation or substitute service family accommodation. There is no requirement to separately account for the accommodation provided to all officers in the group requested.

Armed Forces: Housing

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on hotel accommodation for members of the armed forces with a rank of Brigadier or equivalent and above in each of the last 12 months.

Kevan Jones: holding answer 8 February 2010
	The information is not held in the format requested.
	Hotel accommodation is required when a member of the armed forces is on temporary duty away from their parent unit and there is no Service facility that can accommodate them locally.
	The majority of the MOD's hotel bookings are made through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service. However, this is not exclusive, as hotel accommodation may be included in a residential training course or privately arranged at very short notice.
	To determine how much has been spent by this specific group would require a manual search of a number of records which could be done only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Forces: Northern Ireland

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops are stationed at each location in Northern Ireland.

Bill Rammell: As at 1 November 2009 the number of regular service personnel stationed at regular military locations in Northern Ireland was as follows:
	
		
			  Location  Number 
			 Abercorn Barracks, Ballykinler 680 
			 Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station, Aldergrove 850 
			 Duke of Connaught Unit, Belfast1 50 
			 Kinnegar Base 360 
			 Massereene Barracks, Antrim 510 
			 Palace Barracks, Holy wood 690 
			 Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn 1290 
		
	
	As MOD announced in a written ministerial statement on 26 November 2009,  Official Report, column 89, DCU will close by 1 April 2010.
	In addition there were some 100 regular service personnel serving at Reserve Forces locations throughout Northern Ireland.

Armed Forces: Official Cars

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on hired cars for members of the armed forces with a rank of Brigadier or equivalent and above in each of the last 12 months.

Kevan Jones: This information is not held in the format requested.
	When a member of the armed forces is required to travel on duty the most economical mode of travel is to be utilised. When travel by road is necessary, pool cars will be used. However, when this is not available a hire car will be authorised. There is no requirement to separately account for the hire cars provided to those officers in the group requested. To do so would require the manual search of all requests which could be done only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Visits Abroad

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on overseas travel for members of the armed forces with a rank of Brigadier or equivalent and above in each of the last 12 months.

Kevan Jones: The information is not held in the format requested.
	When there is a need to travel overseas, MOD charter aircraft will be used where possible. When this is not available, overseas travel will be arranged through Hogg Robinson Travel, under contract to the MOD, to ensure the best value for money is obtained. However, this is not exclusive, as overseas travel may be included as part of a training or privately arranged at very short notice.
	There is no requirement to account for the rank of brigadier or equivalent and above separately and to do so would require a manual search of records thus incurring a disproportionate cost.
	Greater use of video and telephone conferencing is being encouraged to reduce the time and money expended on overseas travel.

Depleted Uranium: Scotland

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times depleted uranium shells have been test-fired in Scotland in 2009 at each test-firing location.

Quentin Davies: No depleted uranium shells were test-fired in Scotland in 2009. The last test firings took place on 11 and 12 March 2008, when a total of 20 rounds were fired at the Kirkcudbright Range in Scotland

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many problems have been reported with the Brimstone missile system  (a) in operational situations and  (b) during testing since it entered service.

Quentin Davies: There have been no reported problems with the original Brimstone missile system since it entered service in 2005. A variant, known as Dual Mode Seeker (DMS) Brimstone, was developed as an Urgent Operational Requirement; it entered operational service in 2008. Since then, two problems have been reported and these are being addressed in consultation with the prime contractor. Neither prevents the DMS Brimstone missile system being used operationally.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft: Cost

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to date of development of the Brimstone missile system has been.

Quentin Davies: The cost of developing the original Brimstone Missile System was £370 million. Dual Mode Seeker (DMS) Brimstone was developed as a variant of the original Brimstone system. Development costs specifically for the DMS variant amounted to about £10 million.

RAF Lyneham: Weather

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how many days RAF Lyneham was closed as a result of recent adverse weather conditions.  [Official Report, 22 February 2010, Vol. 506, c. 4MC.]

Bill Rammell: Between 1 and 17 January, RAF Lyneham closed only once on 6 January between 2.40 am and 3.12 pm, a total of 11 and a half hours. This was to enable the runway to be cleared of snow and ice. This limited period of closure was due to the fact that Lyneham has a short runway and clearance could be completed quickly.

RAF Lyneham: Weather

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the effect of meteorological differences between RAF Lyneham and RAF Brize Norton on their operational sustainability.

Bill Rammell: An assessment of weather factors at various RAF airfields during the period 2004-09 indicated that while neither station was closed for flying operations on a frequent or regular basis, RAF Lyneham was unavailable to aircraft, because of poor weather conditions, on marginally more occasions than RAF Brize Norton.
	Careful consideration of all relevant factors was made in coming to the decision to base the Air Transport and Air-to-Air Refuelling Fleet at RAF Brize Norton.
	The runway at RAF Lyneham is not long enough to facilitate all of the aircraft in the RAF's Air Transport and Air-to-Air Refuelling Fleets. RAF Brize Norton is assessed to be fully capable of operationally sustaining the Air Transport and Air-to-Air Refuelling Fleets.

SCOTLAND

Government Car and Despatch Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department paid to the Government Car and Despatch Agency in each of the last five years; how much it has spent on such payments in 2009-10; and what proportion of such payments was made in respect of the Government Car Service.

Ann McKechin: The cost for Scotland Office ministerial cars are reported annually to Parliament by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport through written ministerial statements and are available in the Libraries of the House.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Departmental Housing

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) empty and  (b) occupied residential properties his Department owns; and what recent estimate he has made of the (i) potential annual rental and (ii) total book value of those (A) empty and (B) occupied residential properties.

Shaun Woodward: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) currently owns three residential properties of which one is empty and two are occupied.
	The empty residential property is currently for sale at a value of £180,000. There is no potential annual rental figure available for this property.
	One occupied residential property has a fixed asset register value of £366,827. Annual rental figure for this property is £12,000 per annum.
	The third residential property has a fixed asset register value of £288,260. There is no potential annual rental figure available for this property.
	Potential rental value for the two occupied properties is kept under regular review.

Departmental Sick Leave

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff in his Department have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years.

Paul Goggins: There were 118 employees in the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) who have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years. The Northern Ireland Office robustly monitors and takes appropriate action in the management of all sickness absence.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture: Research

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to ensure that the outputs from publicly-funded research related to agriculture are available for on-farm use.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Research is commissioned to inform policy development and dissemination for on-farm use is through specific policy areas. All DEFRA-funded research is publicly available on the DEFRA website. In addition, DEFRA joint funds research with industry through Farming and Food LINK programmes.

Cabinet Committees: Food

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what dates the Cabinet Sub-Committee on food has met since its creation; and who attended each meeting.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The sub-committee has met four times since its creation. However, further information is not available in the form requested, as the proceedings of Cabinet Committees are not generally disclosed. The membership of the sub-committee and its terms of reference are available at:
	www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/secretariats/committees/daf.aspx

Departmental Manpower

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many layers of management reporting from the most senior to the most junior there are in his Department and each of its agencies; how many officials are employed in each such layer; and how much was spent on salaries and associated employment costs of staff at each such layer in the latest year for which information is available.

Dan Norris: The information is as follows:
	 Core DEFRA (including Animal Health, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Marine Fisheries Agency)
	The following table shows the number of staff at those grades which hold line management responsibility as at 31 December 2009, expressed as full-time equivalents, along with the average annual pay costs for each grade for a single individual. Pay costs include salary, allowances, non-consolidated performance related variable pay, National Insurance contributions and superannuation charges. Further associated employment costs are only available at disproportionate cost. Staff numbers include permanent and fixed-term appointments.
	Senior Civil Service figures shown include staff in the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) and the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA).
	
		
			  Grade  Staff in post (FTE)  Average annual pay cost (£) 
			 EO 890.41 32,559 
			 HEO 896.14 39,593 
			 SEO 374.38 48,770 
			 Grade 7 807.67 65,860 
			 Grade 6 153.28 79,310 
			 SCS Deputy Director 137.56 110,246 
			 SCS Director 22.79 144,966 
			 SCS Director General 5.36 187,684 
			 Permanent Secretary 0.89 237,490 
		
	
	 Rural Payment Agency
	RPA has seven layers of management from the SCS (Director) level to Executive Office (EO). In the 2008-09 financial year this equated to 1,622.55 people (FTE).
	The amount spent on salaries and associated employment costs of staff in each management layer below the SCS are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Grade levels  Staff Number (FTE)( 1)  Cost (£000)( 2) 
			 Grade 6 26.67 2,161 
			 Grade 7 83.79 5,462 
			 SEO 162.94 7,988 
			 HEO 390.66 15,240 
			 EO 951.13 30,354 
			 Grand Total 3338.77 101,419 
			 (1) Staff numbers include all permanent and fixed term employed staff shown as full time equivalent (FTE) (2) Costs include salaries, employer national insurance contributions, superannuation, social security costs, and early retirement/severance expenditure.  Note:  Information has been taken from the 2008-09 Annual Report 
		
	
	 Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
	The following table summarises staff in post, expressed as full-time equivalents, for each relevant grade. It also shows the total pay by grade for the month of December 2009 and the average cost per grade for the same.
	
		
			  Grade  FTEs as at 31 December 2009  Pay by grade for December, 2009 (inc ERs Pension and NIC) (£)  Average pay cost by grade for December, 2009 (£) 
			 PB3 (EO) 85 150,499 1,777 
			 PB4 (HEO) 123 266,726 2,166 
			 PB5 (HSO) 111 324,146 2,916 
			 PB6 (SSO) 96 343,930 3,580 
			 PB7 (Grade 7) 49 246,258 5,013 
			 PB8 (Grade 6) 20 132,529 6,571 
		
	
	 Veterinary Laboratories Agency
	The following table summarises the number of staff by grade, expressed as full-time equivalents, and the salary and associated costs for the 2008-09 financial year for each grade. Costs include overtime, sale of annual leave and bonus payments.
	
		
			  Pay band  Headcount by pay band FTE  Salary and associated costs 2008-09 FY (£) 
			 Pay Band A (G6) 19.39 2,013,415 
			 Pay Band B (G7) 42.98 3,383,888 
			 Pay Band C (SEO) 161.43 7,830,307 
			 Pay Band D (HEO) 158.09 6,320,099 
			 Pay Band E (EO) 259.35 8,134,704 
		
	
	 Food and Environment Research Agency
	The following table summarises non-SCS staff in post as at 31 December 2009, expressed as full time equivalents. It also shows the average paybill cost for an individual in each grade. Paybill costs include salary, employer's national insurance contributions and employer's superannuation payments.
	
		
			  Grade  FTE in post as at 31 December 2009  Average paybill cost (£) 
			 Band 3 (EO) 218.6 28,329 
			 Band 4 (HEO) 219.6 36,658 
			 Band 5 (SEO) 111.7 45,417 
			 Band 6 (G7) 73.3 63,119 
			 Band 7 (G6) 16.5 79,173

Feltham

Alan Keen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Feltham and Heston constituency, the effects on that constituency of changes to his Department's policies since 1997.

Dan Norris: Due to the broad nature of the question and the wide range of DEFRA policies implemented in Feltham and Heston, which falls under Hounslow council, it is not possible to provide a detailed answer in the form requested.
	As a local authority, Hounslow is obliged through statute to comply with central Government legislation. DEFRA's policy responsibilities are summarised in its departmental strategic objectives (DSOs) that have been agreed with the Treasury:
	To promote a society that is adapting to the effects of climate change, through a national programme of action and a contribution to international action.
	To promote a healthy, resilient, productive and diverse natural environment.
	To promote sustainable, low carbon and resource efficient patterns of consumption and production.
	To promote an economy and a society that are resilient to environmental risk.
	To champion sustainable development.
	To promote a thriving farming and food sector with an improving net environmental impact.
	To encourage a sustainable, secure and healthy food supply.
	To provide socially and economically sustainable rural communities.
	To be a respected Department delivering efficient and high quality services and outcomes.
	DEFRA publishes annual departmental reports which set out progress against its public service agreement targets and DSOs. The 2009 report is available at:
	www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/how/deprep/2009-report.htm
	Past reports are available online in the National Archives.
	For information on a specific DEFRA policy in Hounslow, the Government Office for London is able to provide information on implementation and the benefits to the area.

Floods: Cumbria

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding has been made available to clear debris and polluted material from farmland following the 2009 floods in Cumbria; and if he will make a statement.

Huw Irranca-Davies: DEFRA has made £500,000 from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) available to farmers affected by the Cumbrian floods, to help bring their land back to agricultural use. This will provide up to £6,800 per applicant and is being delivered by the RDPE Local Action Groups. The deadline for applications for this funding has been extended until 26 February 2010.

Hotels

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department spent on hotel accommodation for  (a) Ministers,  (b) special advisers and  (c) officials of his Department in each of the last five years.

Dan Norris: A centralised booking service contract was introduced in the core department in late 2006-07, from which the information stated has been taken and therefore only covers the period January to March 2007 of the 2006-07 year. Information prior to this date and hotel accommodation used but not reserved through the central booking service contract could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			   £ 
			 April 2006 to March 2007 87,950 
			 April 2007 to March 2008 358, 866 
			 April 2008 to March 2009 541,311 
			 April 2009 to November 2009 399,140 
		
	
	Information on the split of hotel expenditure between Ministers, special advisers and civil servants could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Travel by Ministers and special advisers, and civil servants is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code respectively. The Cabinet Office produces annual lists of overseas trips undertaken by Ministers costing over £500.
	These can be accessed at:
	http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/propriety_and_ethics/ministers/travel_gifts.aspx
	The list for 2008-09 was published on 16 July 2009. This and earlier lists are available in the Library of the House.

Hotels

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many hotel room nights were booked by officials in  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies in each year since 2007; and how much (i) his Department and (ii) its agencies spent on the fees of third party agents in booking hotel accommodation in each of those years.

Dan Norris: A centralised booking service contract was introduced in late 2006-07, from which the information stated has been taken and therefore only covers the period January to March 2007 of 2006-07.
	The number of hotel room nights booked over this period by officials in the core-Department, and the agencies for which such information is held, are in the table.
	The significant number of nights in 2007-08 for Animal Health relates to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks.
	
		
			   2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10( 1) 
			 Core-DEFRA 971 3,840 6,108 4,343 
			 Animal Health Agency 623 20,515 682 2 
			 Rural Payments Agency - 5,510 13,149 9,887 
			 Veterinary Laboratories Agency 23 301 390 259 
			 (1) April to November. 
		
	
	Bookings made by officials outside the centralised booking service could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Fees were not paid to third party agents for the bookings.

Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will put in place supporting measures for fishermen not permitted to fish in ancestral grounds following the entry into force of the provisions of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 establishing Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Conservation Zones.

Huw Irranca-Davies: Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) are not designated as a result of the provisions in the Marine and Coastal Access Act. They are created through the Habitats Regulations 1994 and Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007, transposing the EC Habitats Directive. Fishing activity is not necessarily entirely prohibited in these areas, or in Marine Conservation Zones.
	We want to work with the industry to minimise the impact of designations on fishing activity, and to develop a package of mitigation and adaptation support. There are real opportunities for the fishermen affected to be involved in this work. The European Fisheries Fund offers opportunities for financial support to the industry in order to assist with adaptation. Additionally, the Sustainable Access to Inshore Fisheries Project aims to set out proposals for long term sustainability in the fleet later this year.

Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects the provisions of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 establishing Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Conservation Zones to enter into force.

Huw Irranca-Davies: Part 5 of the Act (Nature Conservation) commenced in England on 12 January 2010. On this date Lundy Island, originally designated as a Marine Nature Reserve under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, automatically became our first MCZ. The Government have asked the statutory nature conservation bodies to come forward with advice by autumn 2011 on sites to be designated as Marine Conservation Zones. They will then consult interested parties in 2012 before taking final decisions on designation later in that year.
	Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated under the provisions of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 and the Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007, which transpose the EC habitats and wild birds directives, not under the Marine and Coastal Access Act.
	Under these directives, member states are required to nominate sites to the European Commission. The Government expect to nominate an additional 10 SACs, and two further Special Protection Areas under the wild birds directive, to the Commission in October 2010. Stakeholders are consulted on the scientific case before nominations are put forward to the Commission.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan: Detainees

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the US administration on the closure of Guantánamo Bay.

Ivan Lewis: The UK has long called for the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. Ministers and officials continue to discuss with the US Government how best we can work with them to achieve this goal, most recently in January 2010. The UK has already made a significant contribution to reducing the number of detainees in Guantanamo Bay by taking back 14 individuals. We will continue to share our experience in accepting former Guantanamo detainees with our European partners and others to help support the closure of the facility.

British Overseas Territories: EC Grants and Loans

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether overseas territories are eligible to apply for funding from EU research programmes.

Chris Bryant: In accordance with Article 58 of the Overseas Association Decision (OAD), the instrument which determines the relationship between the EU and the overseas countries and territories (OCTs), Territories are eligible for funding from EU research programmes.
	Territories have found it difficult in practice to access this and other funding streams to which they are eligible. This is an area which I and my officials have raised regularly with the Commission and it is something which we want to address in the re-negotiation of the OAD.

Burma: Arms Trade

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has had discussions with the government of  (a) Canada,  (b) New Zealand and  (c) Brazil on an arms embargo against Burma.

Ivan Lewis: The Government maintains a dialogue with a wide range of international partners on Burma, including the governments of Canada and New Zealand. In recent weeks we have also shared details of our position on Burma with Brazil, which became a non-permanent member of the Security Council in January.
	In August 2009, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister wrote to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and his fellow UN Security Council members underlining that no one should be selling arms to a military regime with an appalling human rights record. A global arms embargo remains a priority for this Government, and we will continue to press for progress in our bilateral contacts and in relevant multi-lateral fora.

Burma: Arms Trade

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of arms trading with Burma, with particular reference to arms from  (a) India,  (b) Russia and  (c) China; and what assessment he has made of the effects of such trade on the situation in Burma.

Ivan Lewis: The Government believe that no one should be selling arms to the Burmese regime in view of their appalling human rights record and the high likelihood arms supplied will be use for internal repression. An EU arms embargo has been in place since 1996, and we are working to build support for a global arms embargo. To this end, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister wrote to the UN Secretary General and all members of the Security Council in August 2009.
	Reports suggest that India, China and Russia have all supplied arms to Burma. China is believed to be the leading arms supplier and in early January 2010, media reports suggested Russia had agreed to supply $600 million of combat aircraft and arms to the Burma regime. In response to these reports, our embassy in Moscow raised our concerns with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
	The ability of Burma to continue to purchase arms from a wide range of suppliers has helped to reduce their defence and security costs and modernise an army responsible for widespread and systematic human rights abuses.

Burma: Human Rights

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had in the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly on reports of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma.

Ivan Lewis: The Government remain deeply concerned at the human rights situation in Burma and we regularly raise the issue with EU and other international partners, and in the UN's human rights bodies. At the last session of the Human Rights Council in September 2009, and at the UN General Assembly in November 2009, we helped to secure strong resolutions condemning the Burmese regime for ongoing and systematic human rights abuses. We will be looking to raise the issue again, and secure a further resolution, at the next session of the Human Rights Council in March 2010. In addition, we continue to give our full support to the efforts of the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma-Thomas Ojea Quintana, who is due to visit the country soon.

Burma: Human Rights

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had discussions with  (a) his EU counterparts,  (b) the United Nations Human Rights Council and  (c) the United Nations General Assembly on reports of crimes against humanity in Burma.

Ivan Lewis: The Government remain deeply concerned at the human rights situation in Burma and we regularly raise the issue with EU and other international partners, and in the UN's human rights bodies. At the last session of the Human Rights Council in September 2009, and at the UN General Assembly in November 2009, we helped to secure strong resolutions condemning the Burmese regime for ongoing and systematic human rights abuses. We will be looking to raise the issue again, and secure a further resolution, at the next session of the Human Rights Council in March 2010. In addition, we continue to give our full support to the efforts of the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma, Thomas Ojea Quintana, who is due to visit the country soon.

Burma: Human Rights

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for the outcome of the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting on Burma.

Ivan Lewis: At the 13th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2010 we will work to secure a further, strong resolution condemning the continuing human right abuses in Burma. In our national intervention, and in the resolution text, we will seek to emphasise that the dire human rights situation, including the continued detention of 2100 political prisoners, child labour and the treatment of displaced people remain cause of significant concern. Burma's treatment of political leaders and suppression of freedom of expression undermine the credibility of elections planned for later this year.

Burma: Human Rights

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to secure EU targeted sanctions against the government of Burma until the human rights situation in Burma improves.

Ivan Lewis: The Government continue to believe that targeted EU sanctions against the military regime in Burma are an important means of maintaining pressure for political reform and respect for human rights. Sanctions introduced in 1996 have been strengthened over time, notably after the Saffron Revolution in 2007, and in August 2009 in response to the guilty verdict in Aung San Suu Kyi's trial. They are now among the EU's toughest autonomous measures against any country. The UK will not support any easing of sanctions in the absence of tangible progress on the ground.

Burma: Political Prisoners

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had discussions in the United Nations Human Rights Council on the arrest of pro-democracy activist Nyi Nyi Aung in Burma in September 2009.

Ivan Lewis: We are deeply concerned at the arrest and imprisonment of Nyi Nyi Aung and are monitoring his case closely.
	We continue to take every opportunity to raise the detention of Burma's 2100 political prisoners in the UN's Human Rights bodies. At the last session of the Human Rights Council in September 2009, and at the UN General Assembly in November 2009, we helped to secure strong resolutions calling for the release of all of political prisoners. We will be looking to raise the issue again, and secure a further resolution, at the next session of the Human Rights Council in March 2010.

Burma: Political Prisoners

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the Burmese authorities on permitting the International Committee of the Red Cross to resume its inspection of prisons in Burma.

Ivan Lewis: The refusal of the Burmese authorities to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) independent and unsupervised access to political prisoners remains a grave concern, particularly as the number of prisoners of conscience has doubled to over 2100 since the 'Saffron revolution' in autumn 2007. We continue to urge the military government to co-operate fully with the ICRC and allow an immediate resumption of prison visits.
	The UN General Assembly highlighted their concern at the condition of prisons and urged the regime to comply with human rights law in a resolution passed in November 2009. Our Ambassador in Rangoon last raised the issue of independent prison access for the ICRC to the Burmese government in August 2009 during the last visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma. Our Ambassador regularly raises the plight of political prisoners with Burmese ministers, and we remain in close contact with the ICRC on this issue.

Burma: Political Prisoners

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received reports on the recent sentencing and imprisonment of a journalist who worked with the Democratic Voice of Burma.

Ivan Lewis: We are aware that Democratic Voice of Burma journalist Ngwe Soe Lin was sentenced to 13 years in prison on 27 January 2010 by a Burmese military court for offences under the Electronic and Immigration Emergency Provisions Acts. This case follows the recent sentencing of two other journalists from the Democratic Voice of Burma to 20 and 26 years imprisonment respectively. At least 13 journalists and bloggers are currently detained in Burma, as the Burmese authorities seek to prevent the free flow of information in advance of elections planned for later this year.
	The Government have consistently called on the military authorities to release all of Burma's over 2100 prisoners of conscience. Without their release, elections planned for later this year can have no international credibility.

Burma: Politics and Government

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will request the United Nations Security Council to undertake a review of the 2008 Burmese constitution together with representatives of  (a) pro-democracy,  (b) ethnic and  (c) other groups in Burma.

Ivan Lewis: In November 2009 the UK helped to secure a UN General Assembly Resolution on the human rights situation in Burma, which called on the Burmese authorities to undertake a transparent, inclusive and comprehensive review of the Constitution while fully engaging with the democratic opposition and ethnic groups. We believe that a process of dialogue involving all actors in Burma will ensure a sustainable transition to democracy. This view is shared by other members of the EU and the United States of America.
	In the UN Security Council, we regularly test the level of consensus for action on Burma, and have succeeded in securing discussion and a number of important Presidential Statements since autumn 2007. We do not judge, however, that an attempt to secure a Security Council review on the 2008 Constitution now would be successful. A resolution on Burma tabled in January 2007 was vetoed by two Permanent Members of the Council and any attempt to invalidate the Constitution will suffer the same fate.

China: Christianity

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Chinese authorities on the case of the Alimjan Himit.

Ivan Lewis: The case of Alimjan Himit (who is also known as Alimujiang Yimiti) was last raised at the UK/China Human Rights Dialogue in January 2009 as part of an individual case list. At that time we urged the Chinese to consider freeing Alimjan, and to ensure he had access to a defence lawyer. The Chinese replied then that Alimjan was being detained in Kashgar Detention Centre, that his physical conditions were normal and that he enjoyed the rights to family visits and to hire a defence lawyer. We will continue to monitor his case and raise it wherever appropriate.

Departmental Accountancy

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any written instructions have been provided to his Department's Accounting Officer in accordance with paragraph 5.5 of the Ministerial Code since May 1997.

Chris Bryant: No.

Departmental Buildings

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which UK embassies provide office space to officials of the Department for International Development; and how much is charged to that Department for that provision.

Chris Bryant: Co-location is the preferred option for both the Department for International Development (DfID) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
	We have 27 co-locations (Kabul, Luanda, Sarajevo, Brazilia, Rangoon, Phnom Penh, Kinshasa, Addis Ababa, Georgetown, Baghdad, Kingston, Amman, Nairobi, Lilongwe, Chisinau, Islamabad, Moscow, Kigali, Belgrade, Dushanbe, Dar Es Salaam, Bangkok, Kampala, Hanoi, Sana'a, Lusaka and Harare), which include locations where DfID occupy office space supplied by the FCO, share the same building as the FCO (all the named above except Kabul, Kinshasa, Addis Ababa, Islamabad, Moscow, Kampala, and Hanoi) or where DfID own properties on land provided by the FCO. We have a further 11 co-location projects in various stages of planning.
	In 2008-09, the FCO charged DfID a total of £648,000 on the basis of office space occupied and services consumed.

Departmental Internet

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people his Department employs to maintain its social media and networking sites; and at what cost.

Chris Bryant: One full-time member of staff maintains the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's blog platform at:
	http://blogs.fco.gov.uk
	and free social media channels such as Twitter:
	www.twitter.com/foreignoffice
	It is not possible to separate out the cost of the blog platform from the cost of the global web platform.

Departmental Meetings

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what  (a) meetings and  (b) other contacts (i) Ministers and (ii) officials in his Department have had with (A) Niall Fitzgerald, (B) Keith Craig, (C) Sir Rod Eddington, (D) Sir Kieran Prendergast, (E) Robert Webb QC and (F) Mark Getty since 1 January 2009.

Chris Bryant: Ministers and officials meet many people as part of the process of policy development. It is not normal practice to disclose details of such meetings. A record of all individuals met by Foreign and Commonwealth officials and Ministers is not held centrally.

Departmental Public Expenditure

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on  (a) new furnishings,  (b) works of art and  (c) new vehicles in each of the last two years.

Chris Bryant: I refer the hon. Member to the response provided by my hon. Friend. Member for Lincoln (Gillian Merron) on 17 November 2008,  Official Report column 190W, in relation to 2007-08.
	As my hon. Friend explained in her response, furnishings are not recorded in the fixed assets register. It would not be possible to provide the information required without incurring a disproportionate cost.
	Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spend on motor vehicles in 2008-09 was £15,463,000. The majority of spend was for vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan. These require additional security features that significantly increase costs. FCO Services spend on motor vehicles in 2008-09 was £179,000.
	There was no spend on works of art.

Diplomatic Service: Pay

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2010,  Official Report, column 239W, on departmental manpower, what the annual salary is of each  (a) ambassador and  (b) high commissioner serving overseas.

Chris Bryant: holding answer 8 February 2010
	 Our ambassadors and high commissioners (heads of mission) abroad are appointed from a range of civil service grades.
	The pay ranges for staff in the senior civil service are determined centrally and based on the findings of the independent senior salaries review body.
	For staff below the senior civil service, Departments are responsible for setting their own salary ranges following guidance issued by HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office.
	The average salary for a head of mission is £80,852. Information on the number of heads of mission receiving salaries over £90,000 is provided in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's annual departmental report, which can be viewed at:
	http://www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/4103709/5476465/departmental-report/dept-report-vol2-2

EC Law

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the scope and application of Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; whether he has sought legal advice on the scope and application of Article 122; what assessment he has made of any financial liability arising from the use of Article 122 to provide financial assistance to an EU member state in financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement.

David Miliband: The scope and application of Article 122 were subject to extensive debate during the passage of the Lisbon Treaty Bill. Any request for financial support in accordance with Article 122 would need to satisfy the specific criteria set out in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and would be considered on its individual merits by the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council, where it would be voted upon by qualified majority.

G20: Greater London

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many companies tendered for the contract for the supply of public relations services for the London Summit with the heads of the G20 in April 2009; and to which company the contract was awarded.

Chris Bryant: As stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 16 September 2009,  Official Report, column 2232W, no external public relations or public affairs firms were contracted to provide support for the London G20 summit. Eight companies submitted bids.

Government Car and Despatch Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department paid to the Government Car and Despatch Agency in each of the last five years; how much it has spent on such payments in 2009-10; and what proportion of such payments was made in respect of the Government Car Service.

Chris Bryant: Costs to Departments of ministerial cars are reported annually to Parliament by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport through written ministerial statement and are available in the Libraries of the House. Any other costs incurred with Government Car and Despatch Agency are not recorded centrally and are available only at disproportionate cost.

Government Hospitality: Wines

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 18 January 2010,  Official Report, column 101W, on Government hospitality: wines, if he will publish the most recent  (a) paper and  (b) electronic copy of the Government wine cellar database.

Chris Bryant: holding answer 29 January 2010
	The Government hospitality wine database contains sensitive commercial details about the pricing of wines as well as subjective comments on individual stock items, which could prove both commercially and reputationally damaging to suppliers and producers if released. I will place an illustrative list of wines held in the cellar in the Library of the House.

Haiti

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to visit Haiti in an official capacity.

Chris Bryant: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary continues to follow the situation in Haiti closely and is in regular contact with our ambassador, the UN Secretary General and other counterparts, including Secretary Clinton. He has no plans to visit at this time.

Hakluyt

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the answer of 5 November 2009,  Official Report, columns 1112-13W, on Hakluyt, what contacts Ministers in his Department have had with Hakluyt and Co since 1 January 2009; on what dates such contacts took place; and what form such contacts took.

Chris Bryant: Ministers and officials meet many people as part of the process of policy development. It is not normal practice to disclose details of such meetings. A record of all individuals met by Foreign and Commonwealth officials and Ministers is not held centrally.

Legal Services Commission: Billing

Laura Moffatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Legal Services Commission has undertaken to observe the prompt payment code.

Bridget Prentice: I have been asked to reply.
	The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is not a formal signatory of the Prompt Payment Code-a Government initiative introduced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to tackle the issue of late payments to businesses. However, the LSC has already taken its own steps to regulate and accelerate payments to legal aid providers. Standard monthly payments (SMP's) are made in advance for advice work completed under contract and in addition, weekly payments are made on bills submitted for civil representation work.

Newspaper Licensing Agency

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what payments ( a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies made to the Newspaper Licensing Agency in each of the last 10 years.

Chris Bryant: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) made the following payments to the Newspaper Licensing Agency (NLA). Records are not available for the period 2000-02.
	
		
			   Total cost including VAT (£) 
			 2009-10 82,595 
			 2008-09 33,185 
			 2007-08 7,257 
			 2006-07 2,402 
			 2005-06 2,209 
			 2004-05 2,239 
			 2003-04 2,068 
			 2002-03 1,779 
		
	
	Prior to 2007 the FCO had a paper cuttings service. When we moved to the more environmentally friendly digital service, the NLA increased its fee as the digital information can now be provided across the whole of the FCO's worldwide network rather than just in the UK.

Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe on the upholding of democratic principles through its activities.

Chris Bryant: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his counterparts in the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and will, as appropriate, discuss the OSCE's democratisation related activities.
	Most recently, he spoke to Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister, Kanat Saudabayev, on 8 January 2010. The Foreign Secretary welcomed Kazakhstan's Chairmanship of the OSCE for 2010. He underlined the importance the UK attaches to the OSCE's work across all three dimensions-politico-military, economic and environmental and the human dimension which includes human rights and good governance. I reiterated these points during my 28 January meeting with Foreign Minister Saudabayev.

Palestinians

Greg Pope: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visits to Gaza have been made by officials of his Department in the course of their duties in the last 12 months.

Ivan Lewis: Our officials based in Jerusalem and, to a lesser extent, Tel Aviv, have visited Gaza on more than 20 occasions since January 2009. Our consulate general in Jerusalem also has two members of local staff permanently based in Gaza.

Somalia: Piracy

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the Government has spent on measures to combat piracy around the Horn of Africa in the last 12 months.

Ivan Lewis: Piracy off Somalia is being tackled comprehensively across Government Departments in line with the Government's Somalia Strategy and in close co-ordination with international partners.
	Over the last 12 months, the UK has contributed to three international counter-piracy operations: this has included the provision of the operation Headquarters and Operation Commander to the EU Naval Force (Operation ATALANTA); The common funded budget for Op ATALANTA in 2009-10, which is paid through the Athena mechanism, currently amounts to €17.64 million, with the UK share approximately £1.15 million. The UK also provides a frigate, tanker, the Deputy Commander and staff to Combined Maritime Forces; and a frigate to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Operation OCEAN SHIELD. Furthermore the UK also provides the UK Maritime Trade Organisation, co-ordinating the movement of merchant shipping and acting as a first point of contact for any ships attacked in the region. The cost of all Ministry of Defence counter piracy activity is not recorded centrally.
	It is widely recognised that the solution to piracy lies on land in Somalia through security, economic, and judicial development. As part of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has led and funded two regional needs assessments missions including all key donors to discuss with Somali representatives and others in the region the priorities for capability development in the legal, judicial, penal and maritime security sectors. In line with the internationally agreed outcomes of these needs assessments, the UK and other partners are supporting security sector reform in the region, including assistance to coastguards that will improve maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. The FCO has also funded the participation of Somali representatives in CGPCS-related activity.

Sri Lanka: Politics and Government

Laura Moffatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account is taken of the views of Sri Lankans resident in the UK in formulating UK foreign policy on Sri Lanka.

Ivan Lewis: In formulating its policy towards Sri Lanka the UK takes into consideration all relevant factors, including the views of the Government of Sri Lanka and other international partners. The views of British nationals of Sri Lankan origin are also considered. Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regularly meet with representatives from Sri Lankan communities. Ministers and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to Sri Lanka, the right hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun (Des Browne), have also had meetings with them. The UK's view remains that lasting peace in Sri Lanka can only come about through a fully inclusive political process that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict. Following the recent presidential election in Sri Lanka my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister wrote to President Rajapakse urging him to use his mandate to take forward that process. Genuine reconciliation between Sri Lanka's communities will depend in large part on the Government protecting and promoting the rights of all Sri Lankans.

Sudan: Peace Negotiations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the proposed appointment of a mediator for Sudan.

Ivan Lewis: We have pressed for strong UN and African Union (AU) leadership as Sudan enters this crucial period, for example in my joint statement on 9 January 2010 with Hilary Clinton and Jonas Store on the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. My noble Friend Baroness Kinnock and the UK Special Representative for Sudan discussed these issues during the AU summit in January with Haile Menkerios, the new Special Representative of the Secretary General for the UN Mission, and Ibrahim Gambari, the new AU/UN Joint Special Representative for the AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur. We are also working closely to support the efforts of Djibril Bassole as AU/UN Chief Mediator on Darfur, and Thabo Mbeki as chair of the AU High Level Panel. In liaison with international partners, we will continue to press too for maximum co-ordination and efficiency between them.

Sudan: Peace Negotiations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed with the Secretary of State for International Development the matter of the end of the Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Ivan Lewis: The Foreign Secretary, International Development Secretary and other Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Department for International Development (DFID) Ministers work very closely together on Sudan, drawing on the work of the Joint DFID-FCO Sudan Unit. My noble Friend Baroness Kinnock and my hon. Friend Gareth Thomas gave a joint press briefing on 6 January 2010 ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
	http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=21534511

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will bring forward proposals for a more proactive mandate for the United Nations Mission in Sudan at the meeting of the UN Security Council in April 2010.

Ivan Lewis: We have consistently pressed for a proactive, robust approach by the UN Mission (UNMIS) in Sudan. My noble Friend Baroness Kinnock and the UK Special Representative for Sudan discussed these issues with the new UNMIS Special Representative of the Secretary General, Haile Menkerios, and UN officials at the African Union Summit on 27-28 January 2010. During Security Council consultations on 26 January 2010 we urged the Council to prioritise protection of civilians in the UNMIS mandate. This will remain a priority for the UK in the lead up to the mandate renewal in April.

Sudan: Politics and Government

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed Sudan with the  (a) US administration,  (b) Chinese government and  (c) African Union.

Ivan Lewis: At the African Union (AU) summit on 27-28 January my noble Friend Baroness Kinnock discussed Sudan with US Special Envoy Scott Gration and senior State and National Security Council officials, the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister and the AU Peace and Security Commissioner. We will continue to engage with them and with others both in the region and internationally.

PRIME MINISTER

Departmental Internet

David Davies: To ask the Prime Minister what redesigns of websites operated by his Office have taken place since 27 June 2007; and what the  (a) cost to the public purse and  (b) date of completion of each such redesign was.

Gordon Brown: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on 9 February 2010,  Official Report, column 888W.

Dissolution

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  what progress has been made on his proposal that the approval of the House of Commons should be sought for a request for a dissolution of Parliament since 3 July 2007;
	(2)  whether he plans to seek the approval of the House before exercising his power to request a dissolution of Parliament.

Gordon Brown: This proposal is subject to ongoing inquiry by Parliament.

WALES

Rural Economy

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the First Minister to discuss the prospects for the rural economy in Wales.

Peter Hain: A strong rural economy is vital to Wales as a whole, even more so as we exit the recession and look to continue to grow over the coming year.

Employment

Julie Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent assessment he has made of levels of employment in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: Latest figures show that the employment level in Wales increased by 6,000 on last quarter, to 1.304 million, an increase of 94,000 since 1997.
	The Government's extra investment in jobs, education and training is making a real difference in Wales, helping people through the recession and preventing the kind of unemployment we saw haunt Wales in the eighties and nineties. This fragile recovery would be wrecked by the Tories.

ProAct and ReAct

Betty Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Minister on the ProAct and ReAct programmes in Wales.

Peter Hain: Since the start of the economic crisis we have worked in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government through the regular All Wales Economic Summits, where initiatives such as ProAct were born.
	One of the main focuses of the next All Wales Economic Summit which I will attend tomorrow in Llanelli will be the ProAct initiative.

South Wales Police

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on levels of public confidence in South Wales Police.

Wayne David: South Wales Police have an excellent record on dealing with crime and antisocial behaviour. I would therefore like to see higher levels of public confidence, though I am pleased to note that latest figures from the British Crime Survey do show the number of respondents expressing confidence in delivery has increased by over 22 per cent. since last year.
	The Policing White Paper contains a raft of measures aimed at improving public confidence in the Police across England and Wales. Where a force, such as South Wales, is performing well on dealing with crime but public confidence remains low, this could be due to a number of reasons. For example more work might need to be done to ensure the successful work taking place is being communicated effectively to the public. The commitments to information provision and holding public forums within the policing pledge should assist with this.

Knowledge Economy

Hywel Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Minister on the development of the knowledge economy in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Wayne David: I have regular discussions with the First Minister on the Welsh economy and he and I both recognise the importance of developing the knowledge economy in Wales.
	Now that the UK economy has returned to growth it is vital that we ensure our workforce and our innovative businesses are equipped to face the challenges of the recovery.

Departmental Sick Leave

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many staff in his Department have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years.

Wayne David: Nil.

Elections

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the new First Minister on means of encouraging greater voter participation in Wales in the forthcoming general election.

Peter Hain: I discuss a range of issues including means of encouraging voter participation with the First Minister. The level of turnout in recent elections have been disappointing and the Government and the Electoral Commission are always looking at ways of addressing this issue.

Exports

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  what the monetary value was of high technology sector exports from Wales  (a) in total and  (b) to China in the last five years;
	(2)  what the monetary value was of exports from each  (a) sector and  (b) industry in Wales in each of the last five years;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the monetary value of financial services provided from Wales to overseas in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of UK exports  (a) in total and  (b) to China such services accounted for in each of the last five years;

Peter Hain: A breakdown of total Welsh exports by product sector is provided in Table 1 and similar data for exports to China is provided in Table 2.
	No breakdown exists that details high technology products although some of the industries in the tables do have high technology as a feature of their activity. For exports to China, information can be provided only for the top four industries and no breakdown of the export of financial services is available.
	These figures clearly demonstrate the vibrancy of Welsh exports and their strength in new markets with total exports to China in creasing by over 60 per cent. in the last year for which figures are available.
	
		
			  Table 1: Value of Welsh exports to all countries, latest data 
			  Value (£ million) 
			   Year ending: 
			  Product sector  Q3 2005  Q3 2006  Q3 2007  Q3 2008  Q3 2009( 1) 
			 Energy 1,248.5 1,732.0 1,649.6 2,339.8 1,933.6 
			 Engineering 1,433.7 1,441.1 1,169.6 1,170.6 1,865.7 
			 Metals 1,654.7 1,855.2 2,204.8 2,397.8 1,649.3 
			 Chemicals 1,319.5 1,108.6 1,075.3 1,168.8 1,093.9 
			 IT and electronics 490.5 458.6 397.8 661.3 554.4 
			 Automotive 845.3 888.4 792.0 562.0 402.3 
			 Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals 103.0 145.4 292.5 429.1 362.1 
			 Household goods 446.9 349.3 337.2 294.3 248.4 
			 Healthcare 182.7 188.8 177.6 206.2 193.3 
			 Paper and packaging 197.0 153.7 190.4 184.2 187.7 
			 Telecommunications 221.8 325.3 141.8 145.5 146.5 
			 Giftware 129.8 101.3 96.0 111.4 135.6 
			 Agriculture 123.0 146.7 117.2 96.4 115.2 
			 Recreation and leisure 57.2 97.3 95.7 98.0 103.6 
			 Food and drink 56.5 43.7 36.2 65.0 76.5 
			 Oil and gas 29.8 51.3 58.1 68.2 75.6 
			 Building 83.3 92.1 86.8 85.6 73.7 
			 Environment 29.5 27.2 29.1 35.8 39.5 
			 Textiles 46.2 48.3 38.7 35.8 33.6 
			 Clothing 15.9 16.3 21.6 25.4 29.6 
			 Security 22.7 20.3 23.4 26.6 23.6 
			 Creative and media 41.5 22.3 14.1 14.2 18.0 
			 Transport 9.8 16.6 10.0 9.0 12.4 
			 Unknown 0.3 0.7 12.1 22.4 23.4 
			 Total 8,788.9 9,330.5 9,067.6 10,253.5 9,397.7 
			 (1) Provisional  Source: Statistics and Analysis of Trade Unit, HM Revenue and Customs, 25 November 2009 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Value of Welsh exports to China, latest data 
			  Value (£ million) 
			   Year ending: 
			  Product sector  Q3 2005  Q3 2006  Q3 2007  Q3 2008  Q3 20091 
			  Top 4 sectors by value in latest year  
			 Engineering 123.3 101.3 58.1 68.7 153.8 
			 Chemicals 10.7 13.8 14.2 13.5 19.0 
			 Metals 38.1 29.6 28.3 26.8 19.0 
			 Automotive 1.5 2.1 4.0 4.4 5.5 
			 Other 13.4 12.0 12.1 18.8 17.0 
			 Total 187.0 158.8 116.7 132.2 214.4 
			 (1) Provisional  Source: Statistics and Analysis of Trade Unit, HM Revenue and Customs, 25 November 2009

Iron and Steel: China

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  what the  (a) quantity and  (b) monetary value of (i) iron and (ii) steel was exported from Wales to China in the last five years;
	(2)  what proportion of exports from Wales  (a) in total and  (b) to China was accounted for by exports of (i) iron and (ii) steel in each of the last five years.

Peter Hain: The following table shows the total quantity and monetary value of iron and steel exports from Wales both in total and to China for each of the last five years. Figures for iron and steel are not available separately.
	Iron and steel accounted for the following proportions of  (a) total exports and  (b) exports to China:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   (a) Total exports  (b) Exports to China 
			 Year to Q3 2005 13.5 16.8 
			 Year to Q3 2006 13.2 13.0 
			 Year to Q3 2007 16.5 17.7 
			 Year to Q3 2008 17.2 18.3 
			 Year to Q3 2009 14.0 8.5

Stress

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of any advice issued to staff of his Department on stress recognition and management.

Wayne David: The Wales Office is a small Government Department, which operates under the Ministry of Justice and does not therefore issue independent advice to staff on stress recognition and management.
	Upon joining the Wales Office all staff are made aware that they have access to the Ministry of Justice intranet site, which contains a detailed section on stress awareness and management.

Trade Promotion: China

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps his Department has taken to promote high technology and value-added  (a) manufacturing and  (b) services from Wales in China in the last five years.

Peter Hain: Promoting Welsh exports is principally the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly Government through International Business Wales.
	The Welsh Assembly Government's activity in China is demand led and, in recent years, its trade missions and International Trade Opportunities programme has focused on general activity in response to the needs of its clients. However, through their association with the China Britain Business Council, the Welsh Assembly Government remains well placed to help companies with specific interest in high technology opportunities.

OLYMPICS

Olympic Games 2012: Apprentices

Don Foster: To ask the Minister for the Olympics how many people have completed apprenticeships on the Olympic site since construction began; and how many are in full-time employment.

Tessa Jowell: Olympic Delivery Authority figures show that in November 2009 there were 120 apprentices in full-time employment on the London 2012 apprenticeship programme. Many apprentices will continue their training after they leave the Olympic site, and so the ODA and its partners aim to offer 350 apprenticeship places by 2012. Since the programme commenced in May 2009, a total of six apprentices have completed their training.

Olympic Games 2012: Construction

Charlotte Atkins: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what volume of freight of each type of material has been  (a) delivered to and  (b) removed from the London Olympic site by water.

Tessa Jowell: As part of its investment in sustainable transport, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has made a significant investment in the waterways in and around the Olympic Park, improving the environment and increasing the functionality to enable the use of the waterways for freight and recreation. This has been assisted by the construction of Three Mills Lock which opened in June 2009.
	Between January and December 2009, the volume of freight traffic using the waterways, both into and out of the Olympic Park construction site is as follows:
	Barges have transported off the Olympic Park site, 300 tonnes of general waste and timber for recycling, and 1,750 tonnes of residual material from the soil washing plants.
	In addition, 600 tonnes of shingle and lightweight aggregate and 460 tonnes of pile cage reinforcement and pipework.
	The ODA has an aspiration to transport 50 per cent. of construction material (by weight) by sustainable means to the Olympic Park by rail and water. It is currently achieving 63 per cent.

Olympic Games 2012: Construction

Colin Challen: To ask the Minister for the Olympics how many construction vehicles were in use on all Olympic construction sites on 1 January 2010; and how many such vehicles were fitted with carbon particulate filters.

Tessa Jowell: The ODA and its contractors currently have approximately 1,650 plant and vehicles on the Olympic Park.
	Of these, 1,320 are plant (considered as 'non road mobile machinery') and 330 are road vehicles. The figures exclude road haulage vehicles delivering construction materials to site.
	The ODA has a number of measures in place to address the effects of the works on air quality. These measures include the use of ultra low sulphur diesel in all plant, laying hard surface haul roads around site, using dust suppressants and managing the timing and location of works to minimise air quality impacts. Air quality monitoring reports are published monthly on the London 2012 website.
	All commercial road vehicles and construction plant used on the Olympic Park, including stationary plant, must comply with any legislative requirements. The ODA does not have data for road vehicles that are not permanently based on the Olympic Park, and the ODA has confirmed that the permanent machinery (non road mobile machinery) do not have filters fitted. However, a study is being undertaken currently that will consider the case for fitting of carbon particulate filters as well as establishing cost effectiveness of installation against other measures. The study is due to be completed in February 2010.
	New EU legislation will require that emissions of particulate pollutants are reduced in new machinery across industry. One of the methods of reducing particulates could be to introduce filters. This legislation is being introduced in a phased approach dependent on engine size over the next four years.
	All commercial road vehicles and construction plant used on Olympics venues outside the Park must comply with the same legislative requirements; however the ODA does not hold statistics of similar depth for these venues.

Olympic Games 2012: Food

Elliot Morley: To ask the Minister for the Olympics 
	(1)  if she will direct the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games to ensure that over half of the chicken and egg products on sale at the London 2012 Olympic Games are procured from producers which adhere to high animal welfare standards;
	(2)  if she will require catering outlets and franchises awarded contracts for the London 2012 Olympic Games to undertake to  (a) use (i) non-cage and (ii) domestically-produced eggs and  (b) procure other food produced to high animal welfare standards.

Tessa Jowell: Animal welfare is extremely important and this is a central part of the London 2012 Food Vision.
	The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), a company limited by guarantee, is responsible for staging the London 2012 Games.
	In line with the recently published sustainability plan 'Towards a One Planet 2012', LOCOG has now published 'For Starters', its policy for food. This proposes benchmark and aspirational standards for how it will source food for the Games. LOCOG has set out that the Red Tractor standard will be the benchmark standard across meat, fruit, vegetables, salads, cereals and dairy.
	Red Tractor is a food assurance scheme, run by the Assured Food Standards organisation. It covers production standards developed by experts on safety, hygiene, animal welfare and the environment; this means that all dairy products, beef, lamb and poultry must be British. In addition, eggs must be British Lion mark free range.

Olympic Games 2012: Timber

Tim Farron: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what her most recent assessment is of the likely effect on businesses of the decision of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic games to create a different timber procurement policy to that of the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Tessa Jowell: Both the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) are committed to a sustainable London 2012, including procuring timber from sustainable sources.
	LOCOG and the ODA have worked closely with the timber industry, including the Timber Trade Federation, and relevant NGOs such as WWF on the development of both organisations' approach to procurement and the application of sustainability.
	LOCOG's approach is broadly in line with that of the ODA in that both organisations require certified timber products, although their needs and by definition their supply chains differ, with LOCOG largely focused on items such as furniture, merchandise and publications while ODA procured raw materials for construction.
	Many businesses have directly benefited from the £5 billion of contracts let by the Olympic Delivery Authority so far, 98 per cent. of which are UK companies. Businesses will continue to benefit from the remaining ODA contracts and the contracts which LOCOG will be procuring. When deciding which of the Government-approved policies to follow in the procurement of timber, LOCOG took a business decision taking into account ethical and operational considerations including ease of monitoring and verification. UK businesses are well placed to bid for the various timber contracts for London 2012.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Departmental Correspondence

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to how many  (a) emails and  (b) letters from members of the public his Department has responded since May 2007.

Si�n Simon: Since May 2007 my Department has responded to  (a) 9,926 emails and  (b) 7,928 letters from members of the public including requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act.

Departmental Official Hospitality

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department spent on Ministerial hospitality in  (a) 2004-05,  (b) 2005-06,  (c) 2006-07 and  (d) 2007-08, expressed in current prices.

Si�n Simon: The Department's accounting system does not separately record information on expenditure on Ministerial Hospitality and this could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	All expenditure on hospitality is made in accordance with published departmental guidance, based on the principles set out in Managing Public Money.

Departmental Travel

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department has spent on international travel since 2007.

Si�n Simon: All travel by Ministers and civil servants is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code respectively.
	The information requested is set out in the table.
	
		
			  Expenditure on international travel 
			   £ 
			 2009-10(1) 81,220 
			 2008-09 286,360 
			 2007-08 298,590 
			 (1) To January 2010

Government Car and Despatch Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department paid to the Government Car and Despatch Agency in each of the last five years; how much it has spent on such payments in 2009-10; and what proportion of such payments was made in respect of the Government Car Service.

Si�n Simon: The information requested is set out in the table.
	
		
			  Financial year  Payments to the Government Car and Despatch Agency (£)  Proportion of spend on the Government Car Service (percentage) 
			 2009-10 (to January 2010) 284,330 96.6 
			 2008-09 317,840 95.5 
			 2007-08 337,310 95.1 
			 2006-07 418,900 96.2 
			 2005-06 388,790 96.3 
			 2004-05 368,930 95.4 
		
	
	All travel by Ministers is undertaken in accordance with the 'Ministerial Code'.

Music: Licensing

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment his Department has made of the typical financial cost to  (a) charities,  (b) places of worship and  (c) voluntary groups of the recent changes to public performance rights exemptions in sound records and performers' rights.

David Lammy: I have been asked to reply.
	As part of the Government's consultation process we commissioned a final impact assessment from independent consultants, Europe Economics. It was published on 12 November with the Government response and a summary was placed in the House Library. This assessment estimated the impact on broad groupings which would be affected. Voluntary groups may also be charities and it is not possible to separate them out further.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Ltd. (PPL) and organisations concerned on licence fee levels. However, PPL has stated that its current equivalent commercial fees range between £54 and £108 per year and it envisages that most organisations will pay fees at the lower end of this range or even lower. They have also confirmed that they will not charge in a number of circumstances including music used as part of divine worship and family occasions such as weddings.

National Lottery

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding has been provided to each National Lottery distributor in each year since 2006-07  (a) in real terms and  (b) in cash terms.

Si�n Simon: The information requested is set out in the table:
	
		
			  £000 
			   2006-07 actual  2006/07 real terms( 1)  2007-08 actual  2007-08 real terms( 1)  2008/09 actual( 2) 
			 Heritage Lottery Fund 231,040 243,705 217,043 222,519 207,632 
			 Big Lottery Fund 630,507 665,071 651,124 667,522 612,508 
			 Arts Council England 149,330 157,516 151,450 155,271 144,887 
			 Arts Council Wales 10,797 11,389 10,849 11,123 10,382 
			 Scottish Arts Council 16,886 17,812 16,799 17,223 16,071 
			 Arts Council Northern Ireland 6,752 7,122 6,081 6,234 5,814 
			 UK Film Council 26,302 27,744 29,344 30,084 28,071 
			 Scottish Screen 2,537 2,676 2,517 2,581 2,408 
			 Sport England 124,985 131,837 134,565 137,960 128,733 
			 Sports Council of Wales 9,462 9,980 9,767 10,013 9,344 
			 SportScotland 18,503 19,517 17,580 18,023 16,818 
			 Sport Northern Ireland 6,261 6,604 5,643 5,785 5,398 
			 UK Sport 53,921 56,877 49,485 50,734 49,813 
			 Olympic Lottery Distributor 115,759 122,105 151,229 155,045 211,029 
			 (1) Using 2008-09 = 100. (2) Net of transfers totalling £73 million between NLDF and OLDF.

National Lottery: Operating Costs

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent estimate his Department has made of the expenditure on administration of each of the National Lottery distributors in the latest period for which figures are available; and what recent steps his Department has taken to reduce such costs.

Si�n Simon: Lottery distributors' administration costs can be found in their annual reports and accounts. These costs are not comparable, however, as administration costs vary considerably depending on the type and size of grant given and the amounts that applicants receive.
	My Department has encouraged the national lottery distributors to keep their administration costs as low as possible and to share best practice.
	As part of the Operational Efficiency Programme the lottery distributors are working closely with my Department to identify savings through greater collaboration in back-office functions.

Sports: Schools

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent estimate he has made of the number of children in each school year participating regularly in competitive  (a) intra-school and  (b) inter-school sport.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The 2008-09 School Sport Survey showed that 99 per cent. of schools hold their own sports days; 69 per cent. of pupils are playing competitive house or league sport within their own schools (up from 66 per cent. in 2007-08 and 58 per cent. in 2006-07); and 44 per cent. of pupils are playing competitive sport against other schools (up from 41per cent. in 2007-08 and 35 per cent. in 2006-07).
	We aim to increase the regularity with which children play competitive sport and have included new questions in the School Sport Survey to measure how regularly pupils compete (both within schools and between schools). 28 per cent. of pupils from years three-13 regularly participated in intra-school competition whilst 19 per cent. of pupils from years three-13 regularly participated in inter-school competition.
	The tables outline  (a) the percentage of pupils who regularly participated in intra-school competition during the academic year 2008-09 by year group:
	
		
			  Academic year  Percentage of pupils involved 
			 Year 3 30 
			 Year 4 34 
			 Year 5 41 
			 Year 6 45 
			 Year 7 28 
			 Year 8 27 
			 Year 9 25 
			 Year 10 20 
			 Year 11 16 
			 Year 12 7 
			 Year 13 6 
		
	
	Base: All pupils in years three-13 where information given (5,472,339) and  (b) the percentage of pupils who regularly participated in inter-school competition during the academic year2008-09 by year group:
	
		
			  Academic year  Percentage of pupils involved 
			 Year 3 10 
			 Year 4 15 
			 Year 5 27 
			 Year 6 36 
			 Year 7 21 
			 Year 8 21 
			 Year 9 20 
			 Year 10 17 
			 Year 11 14 
			 Year 12 9 
			 Year 13 9 
		
	
	Base: All pupils in years three-13 where information given (5,472,635) From 2008-11, the Government are investing over £25 million into a network of 225 competition managers to increase the number of young people engaged in regular high quality inter-school competitive events.
	Furthermore, the Government are making universal access to regular competitive sport a key part of its new pupil guarantee, which will enshrine in law our commitment to provide competitive sport for all.

Streatham

Keith Hill: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Streatham constituency, the effects on Streatham constituency of changes to his Department's policies since 1997.

Si�n Simon: My Department's aim is to improve the quality of life for everyone through cultural and sporting activities, to support the pursuit of excellence and to champion the tourism, creative and leisure industries. The impact of bodies and policies of my Department on the Streatham constituency since 1997 include:
	£364,206 given from Arts Council England to organisations based in Streatham in 2008-09 through the Grants for the Arts programme.
	Digital Switchover is due to take place in Streatham in 2012. By the time switchover is complete at the end of 2012, 98.5 per cent. of households nationwide will be able to receive digital TV-the same number that can currently receive analogue.
	£4,990 of Exchequer investment to the Streatham constituency provided through Sport England between 2002-03 and 2009-10.
	Over £18 million of national lottery grants made to applications from the Streatham constituency since 1997.
	The Streatham constituency has also benefited from other policies and spending whose impact cannot be broken down by constituency. This includes:
	£4 billion of Exchequer funding spent on culture.
	More than £5.5 billion invested in sport by the Government and the national lottery since 1997.
	Almost 1 million free swims taken in London in the first six months of the Free Swimming programme.
	A 68 per cent. increase in national museum visits from 1998-99 to 2008-09-10 per cent. of which were by adults from lower socioeconomic groups.
	£416.6 million in grants allocated by English Heritage since 1997.
	48 per cent. of buildings on the original 1999 Buildings at Risk Register having their future secured.
	90 per cent. of all pupils taking part in at least two hours of high quality PE or sport per week in 2008 from an estimated 25 per cent. in 2003-04-exceeding our target.

Swimming: Concessions

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding his Department has allocated for its free swimming schemes in  (a) 2010-11 and  (b) 2011-12.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Free Swimming Programme (FSP), launched in April 2009, is a £140 million package comprising contributions from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Department of Health, the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Communities and Local Government.
	The scheme is guaranteed to run for at least two years-the period covered by the Government's current spending review (2009-10 and 2010-11) and applies in England only.
	For 2010-11, the DCMS has allocated £5 million in resource funding and £10 million in capital funding.
	Decisions on the extent of future spending on the programme have not yet been made.

TREASURY

Child Care Vouchers

Paul Murphy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his latest assessment is of the effectiveness of the Childcare Voucher scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Research by the National Centre for Social Research, available at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/research/research-report23.htm
	estimates the proportion of employers that offer employer supported childcare (ESC) and the proportion of eligible employees that were using ESC at the end of 2005.

Departmental Training

Grant Shapps: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many sessions of media training were organised for Ministers in his Department in each of the last three years.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: HM Treasury provides training to Ministers on a range of issues, including handling the media if required, in order to carry out their duties effectively under the ministerial code.

Inheritance Tax: Greater London

Clive Efford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2010,  Official Report, columns 215-6W, on inheritance tax: Eltham, how many estates paid inheritance tax in  (a) Greenwich,  (b) each other London borough and  (c) the area most closely corresponding to the parliamentary constituency of Eltham in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many estates would have been required to pay inheritance tax had the threshold been set at  (a) £1 million and  (b) £325,000 in (i) Greenwich, (ii) each other London borough and  (c) the area most closely corresponding to the parliamentary constituency of Eltham in each of the last five years;
	(3)  how many estates in Eltham constituency for which the postcodes in respect of completed inheritance tax returns are available would have been required to pay inheritance tax had the threshold been set at  (a) £325,000 and  (b) £1 million in each of the last five years;
	(4)  how many estates in Eltham constituency for which the postcodes in respect of completed inheritance tax returns are available paid inheritance tax in each of the last five years.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: HM Revenue and Customs estimates that in 2007-08 around 5,000 estates paid inheritance tax in the Government office region (GOR) of London. Information at a sub-regional level is available only at disproportionate cost.
	Reliable information for other years is not available due to the large proportion of missing postcodes on inheritance tax returns.
	Information on how many estimates would be required to pay inheritance tax if the threshold were £1 million is available at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/foi_inheritance_costing.pdf
	Information on the impact of this policy other than at a national level is not available.

PAYE

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the outcomes were of the HM Revenue and Customs annual review of errors in respect of automatically-processed Pay-As-You-Earn in  (a) 2006,  (b) 2007,  (c) 2008 and  (d) 2009;
	(2)  what the all-cases accuracy rate was for  (a) self-assessment and  (b) Pay-As-You-Earn for (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009;
	(3)  how many  (a) self-assessment and  (b) Pay-As-You-Earn cases were processed manually in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009;
	(4)  what the accuracy rate was for  (a) Pay-As-You-Earn and  (b) self-assessment cases processed (i) automatically and (ii) manually in (A) 2006, (B) 2007, (C) 2008 and (D) 2009;
	(5)  what the tax effect accuracy rate was for  (a) self-assessment and  (b) Pay-As-You-Earn for (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009;
	(6)  what the causes were of the tax effect errors in the  (a) self-assessment and  (b) Pay-As-You-Earn system in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009;
	(7)  how many P35s were manually processed in  (a) 2006,  (b) 2007,  (c) 2008 and  (d) 2009;
	(8)  what the tax effect error percentages for the collection of national insurance through PAYE were in  (a) 2006,  (b) 2007,  (c) 2008 and  (d) 2009.

Stephen Timms: The number of self assessment (SA) and Pay as You Earn (PAYE) returns processed manually is set in the following table.
	
		
			  Tax return year  PAYE End of year returns  SA 
			   P35  P14  Individuals 
			 2005-06 539,150 3,798,120 4,988,969 
			 2006-07 370,736 3,413,174 4,118,006 
			 2007-08 277,045 2,039,303 2,314,728 
			 2008-09 197,592 1,766,424 (1)- 
			 (1) Not yet available 
		
	
	The requested information on accuracy rates is set out in the following table. HM Revenue and Customs do not use the concept of 'tax effect errors' in the context of national insurance contributions.
	
		
			  Percentage 
			  PAYE  All cases accuracy  Automatic process accuracy  Manual process accuracy  Tax effect accuracy( 1) 
			 2005-06 94.7 n/a 79.9 79.9 
			 2006-07 95.1 99.8 82.1 82.1 
			 2007-08 95.1 99.8 83.4 83.4 
			 2008-09 96.2 99.8 83.5 83.5 
			 (1) The PAYE tax effect accuracy results relate to those cases which require a manual intervention and which have been accurately processed to within £1. 
		
	
	Many of the SA cases recorded as not processed accurately will be due to the coding number not being reviewed. In the majority of cases, the coding error is corrected when the SA return is submitted and the taxpayer's tax calculation will ensure the correct amount of tax has been paid.
	
		
			  Percentage 
			  SA  All cases accuracy  Automatic process accuracy( 1)  Manual process accuracy  Tax effect accuracy( 2) 
			 2005-06 75.3 n/a 75.3 96.5 
			 2006-07 78.1 n/a 78.1 96.5 
			 2007-08 80.5 n/a 80.5 97.6 
			 2008-09 81.5 n/a 81.5 97.0 
			 (1) There is no information available for SA cases processed automatically because the assumption is that they process with near 100 per cent. accuracy. (2) The self-assessment tax effect accuracy relate to those self-assessment taxpayers whose tax bill is accurate to within £1. 
		
	
	The main causes of tax effect errors is provided on page 20 of the National Audit Office publication Accuracy in processing Income Tax, available at:
	http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/0607/accuracy_in_processing_income.aspx

PAYE

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has made an assessment of the merits of collecting income tax from state pensions through the PAYE system.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: No such assessment has been made.
	The majority of pensioners have their state pensions appropriately taxed through the operation of Pay-As-You-Earn on their other sources of income.

Public Finance

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish his long-term projections based on principal projections made by the Office for National Statistics in the same terms as those set out in table 4.1 of the 2008 Long-term public finance report.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The 2009 Long-term public finance report sets out long-term spending projections, using most recent 2008-based population projections made by the Office for National Statistics. This can be found on the HMT website:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/prebud_pbr09_longtermfinances.htm

Revenue and Customs

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if HM Revenue and Customs will publish its roadmap to show how component programmes contribute to the achievement of its strategic objectives, with reference to paragraph 3.6 of the National Audit Office's 2008 Report on HM Revenue and Customs Transformation Programme.

Stephen Timms: HM Revenue and Customs' (HMRC) Business Plan for 2009-10 was published on April 2009, and is available at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/business-plan-vision.pdf
	The Business Plan sets out how the Department intends to deliver its corporate Vision and to achieve the six strategic objectives that underpin it. It also sets out details of HMRC's major change and transformation programmes and explains how these contribute to the delivery of both the strategic objectives and other legislative and policy commitments.

Revenue and Customs

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department has carried out research to establish the reasons for the reduced demand for face-to-face interviews at HM Revenue and Customs enquiry centres; and if he will make a statement.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: HM Revenue and Customs' (HMRC) analysis suggests that a range of factors are leading to a reduction in customers using the face-to-face channel. These include:
	increasing take-up of online filing services (around 75 per cent. of self assessment customers filed online this year); and
	increasing use of HMRC's website (with over 80 million hits in 2009-10 compared to around 44 million hits in 2006-07).
	HMRC has supported this trend, for example by encouraging customers to renew their tax credits over the telephone and by pointing customers who are able to do so to use the telephone and online services as their first point of call for advice.

Taxation

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many  (a) P45s and  (b) P46s HM Revenue and Customs received from employers in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009;
	(2)  how many user errors occurred in filling out  (a) P45s and  (b) P46s during (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009;
	(3)  how many employment history enquiries relating to P46s were  (a) sent to individuals and  (b) received back by HM Revenue and Customs in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009.

Stephen Timms: The information requested is available only at disproportionate cost, as the data are not centrally held by HM Revenue and Customs' systems.

Taxation: Self-assessment and PAYE

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were on  (a) self-assessment and  (b) Pay-As-You-Earn in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009.

Stephen Timms: The information requested is provided in the following table. Some individuals may be in both Pay as You Earn (PAYE) and self assessment.
	
		
			  Estimated number of individuals (million) 
			  Tax year  Self assessment  PAYE 
			 2005-06 9.0 35.6 
			 2006-07 9.1 36.0 
			 2007-08 9.3 37.3 
			 2008-09 9.3 37.7

Taxation: Self-assessment and PAYE

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many  (a) Pay-As-You-Earn and  (b) self-assessment cases remained open during (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009;
	(2)  when the most recent audit of open P14 cases was undertaken; and what statistics were collected for the purposes of that audit;
	(3)  when the most recent audit of open PSN cases was undertaken; and what statistics were collected for the purposes of that audit.

Stephen Timms: The terms open PSN case and open P14 case are not used by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
	PAYE open cases arise when HMRC is unable to match the pay and tax details submitted by their employer on form P14 to an individual's tax record or a match is made but the pay and tax do not reconcile and further work is needed to establish the correct tax position. This is a normal part of the PAYE process.
	The most recent internal audit review of PAYE open cases took place in March 2009, and reviewed the accuracy of clearance of 2007-08 PAYE open cases. HMRC's internal audit function checked a sample of cases and found that the accuracy achieved in clearing open cases was 95 per cent.
	HMRC do not use the term open cases in relation to self-assessment. Under self-assessment a case is cleared once the self-assessment tax return has been filed.
	Information on the number of open PAYE cases is available at:
	For 2005-06 and 2006-07-25 June 2007,  Official Report, column 388W.
	For 2007-08 and 2008-09 in HMRC's Annual Accounts:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/hmrc-dep-acct0708.pdf
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/hmrc-accs-0809.pdf
	From 2009, the introduction of the new National Insurance and PAYE Service (NPS) will automate matching and processing of data sufficient to reduce the number of cases needing clerical intervention (exception cases) to less than 4.5 million each tax year. HMRC aims to clear these cases during the same year in which they occur so backlogs should no longer accrue.
	For the open cases existing when NPS went live HMRC have three pieces of work planned to reduce the existing open cases:
	1. An Open Case Clearance Project in PAYE/SA Processing that deploys software to identify cases where an under or overpayment is due, or where the record is accurate and can be closed.
	2. HMRC is working with an independent firm, on those open cases which are open because they do not appear to match to an existing record, to data match open cases with a wider range of data.
	3. The Department will risk assess the remaining cases, prioritising those where repayments may be due, before starting a clerical review of the remaining cases in April 2010, which will continue until all backlogs have been worked.

WOMEN AND EQUALITY

Blaydon

David Anderson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality if she will set out, with statistical information related as directly as possible to Blaydon constituency, the effects on Blaydon of the policies and actions of the Government Equalities Office since it was established.

Maria Eagle: The Government Equalities Office operates at a strategic level across Government to promote policies which address discrimination. It is not possible to provide statistical information about the effects on Blaydon of the policies and actions of GEO since it was established.

Departmental Electronic Equipment

Graham Stuart: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality whether any  (a) mobile telephones and  (b) Blackberries have been provided to (i) Ministers and (ii) special advisers in the Government Equalities' Office since its establishment.

Michael Jabez Foster: The Government Equalities Office has not provided any mobile phones or Blackberry devices to its Ministers or Special Advisers. The Special Adviser to the Minister for Women and Equality is provided with a Blackberry by the Cabinet Office as part of communication arrangements for the Minister's Private Office.

Departmental Procurement

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality with reference to the answer of 12 October 2009,  Official Report, column 33W, on Public Sector: procurement, whether a small firms impact assessment has been produced in relation to their new public procurement duties on contracting authorities; what the timetable is for the production of the non-legislative toolkit; and whether small firms will be consulted before its introduction.

Maria Eagle: A regulatory impact assessment has been produced on the creation of a single set of specific equality duties to underpin the new integrated public sector equality duty and to regulate procurement by some public authorities. This was published as part of the specific duties consultation document; Equality Bill: Making it work, Policy proposals for specific duties: A consultation.
	http://www.equalities.gov.uk/pdf/Specific%20Duties%20Consultation%20DocumentWEB.pdf
	It is important to note that the specific duties fall on the contracting authority and not on the private sector, and also apply only to above EU threshold contracts and to the lead contractor.
	The non-legislative Toolkit is being produced by the Office of Government Commerce. The Toolkit will update and build on OGC's existing guidance, 'Make Equality Count', to provide more detailed and accessible advice to procurers on when and how they can incorporate equality considerations in their public procurement activities in line with procurement law. The Toolkit is designed to be a 'living' tool, allowing for new content, for example, best practice case studies and any changes in relevant legislation and other material to be added in future to ensure that public procurers are provided with up to date advice and guidance. An initial draft is currently available for consultation until 12 March on the OGC website and small firms are welcome to contribute.

Departmental Recruitment

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many job vacancies at the  (a) Government Equalities Office and  (b) Equality and Human Rights Commission were filled through external recruitment agencies in the latest year for which figures are available.

Michael Jabez Foster: The information requested is as follows:
	 (a) The Government Equalities Office has not filled any job vacancies using external recruitment agencies.
	 (b) The Equality and Human Rights Commission has filled four job vacancies using external recruitment agencies between 3 February 2009 and 3 February 2010.

Departmental Recruitment

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how much the  (a) Government Equalities Office and  (b) Equality and Human Rights Commission spent on external recruitment consultants in the latest year for which figures are available.

Michael Jabez Foster: The information requested is as follows:
	 (a) The GEO has spent £91,796 including VAT on recruitment consultants to run the public appointment of Commissioners for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (£62,333) and the Women's National Commission (£29,463).
	 (b) The Equality and Human Rights Commission has spent a total of £111,749.19 inclusive of VAT on external recruitment consultants between 3 February 2009 and 3 February 2010.

Disabled: Candidates

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps the Government has taken to encourage more disabled people to  (a) apply for and  (b) present themselves as candidates for election to public office.

Maria Eagle: The Government are committed to increasing diversity of representation in political life at both national and local level and firmly believe that to achieve a genuinely fair and just society their political decision makers need to reflect the population.
	The Equality Bill contains new provisions allowing political parties to reserve places on electoral shortlists for individuals including disabled people. The Bill also allows a wide range of voluntary activities by parties to reduce inequalities in representation.
	These include provisions enabling political parties to; set up separate forums dedicated to a specific protected characteristic; reserve seats for people with a protected characteristics on any forum, including electoral shortlist, representative groups, panels, committees etc; and adopt whatever forms of mentoring or shadowing parties themselves choose.
	In direct response to a recommendation of the Speaker's conference, the Government have tabled their own amendment to the Equality Bill to require registered political parties to report on the diversity data to be collected in a systematic way at a national level for the first time.
	This amendment could ultimately result in greater diversity in political parties. It may also increase participation in elections and in public office of those from under-represented groups.

Hotels

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many separate bookings at hotels graded at five star or above were made through the Expotel booking service by  (a) Government Equalities Office and  (b) Equality and Human Rights Commission in the latest year for which figures are available; and at what cost such bookings were made.

Maria Eagle: The information requested is as follows:
	 (a) The GEO did not make any bookings through Expotel for stays at five star hotels or above.
	 (b) The Equality and Human Rights Commission state that they booked a total of 16 nights' accommodation at five star hotels through the Expotel booking services in the 2008-09 financial year at a total cost of £2,098.

Human Trafficking: Gloucestershire

David Drew: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what mechanisms are in place to identify people in Gloucestershire who have been trafficked into the UK for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

Maria Eagle: As part of our implementation of the Council of Europe Convention, we have enhanced our victim care arrangements by creating a national referral mechanism (NRM) to improve identification and protection of trafficking victims. The NRM is a multi-agency framework that allows for the systematic identification of victims, and provision of support. Central to the NRM process are the competent authorities based within UK Borders Agency and the UK Human Trafficking Centre which are the bodies that decide on whether a referred person is a victim of human trafficking. All forces including Gloucestershire Constabulary have been made aware of the process and the necessary contact details of the decision making bodies.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality when she intends to reply to the letter to her of 26 November 2009 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Ms A Sidwell.

Michael Jabez Foster: A response to the letter dated 26 November 2009 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton was sent out on 3 December 2009.

Newspaper Licensing Agency

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what payments have been made by  (a) the Government Equalities Office and  (b) the Equality and Human Rights Commission to the Newspaper Licensing Agency in each year since their inception.

Michael Jabez Foster: The information requested is as follows:
	 (a) The Government Equalities Office's (GEO) contract with its press cuttings agency Precise includes licensing from the Newspaper Licensing Agency and the Copyright Licensing Agency.
	 (b) The Equality and Human Rights Commission has made a total of two payments to the Newspaper Licensing Agency in each year since its establishment in 2007.
	£684.24 paid 27 March 2008 (£582.33 plus £101.91 VAT);
	£529.62 paid 26 March 2009 (£460.54 plus £69.08 VAT)

Slough

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality if she will set out, with statistical information related as directly as possible to the Slough constituency, the effects on Slough of the policies and actions of the Government Equalities Office since it was established.

Maria Eagle: The Government Equalities Office operates at a strategic level across Government to promote policies which address discrimination. It is not possible to provide statistical information about the effects on Streatham of the policies and actions of GEO since it was established.

Streatham

Keith Hill: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Streatham constituency, the effects on Streatham constituency of changes to the Government Equalities Office's policies since its establishment.

Maria Eagle: The Government Equalities Office operates at a strategic level across Government to promote policies which address discrimination. It is not possible to provide statistical information about the effects on Streatham of the policies and actions of GEO since it was established.

Thanet

Stephen Ladyman: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality if she will set out, with statistical information related as directly as possible to South Thanet constituency, the effects on South Thanet of the policies and actions of the Government Equalities Office since it was established.

Maria Eagle: The Government Equalities Office operates at a strategic level across Government to promote policies which address discrimination. It is not possible to provide statistical information about the effects on South Thanet of the policies and actions of GEO since it was established.

Travelling People: Finance

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality whether Strategic Funding Programme funding being provided by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to  (a) Cardiff Gypsy and Traveller Project,  (b) Friends, Families and Travellers and  (c) Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange in 2009-10 may be used to assist travellers in relation to funding planning applications, planning policy or planning appeals.

Maria Eagle: I am informed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission that the Strategic Funding Programme funding being provided in 2009-10 to: Cardiff Gypsy and Traveller Project; Friends, Families and Travellers; and Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange, may not be used to assist in planning applications, planning policy or planning appeals.
	To use this funding in such a way would break the grant conditions and result in actions leading to suspension or termination of the grant funding agreement and recovery of the grant.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Blaydon

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will set out, with statistical information related as directly as possible to the Blaydon constituency, the effects on Blaydon of the policies and actions of his Department and its predecessors since 2000.

Joan Ruddock: The Department of Energy and Climate Change and its predecessors have implemented a large number of policies to address energy security, emissions reductions, low carbon economic growth and fuel poverty since 2000. Some of the key achievements are set out as follows, along with information on the number of households assisted by the Warm Front scheme in Blaydon constituency. It would be disproportionately costly to provide statistical information on all the impact of all the policies to the level of detail requested, but statistical information covering energy and climate change is available at:
	http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/statistics.aspx
	 Key achievements
	Total UK greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by about 12 per cent. compared with 1997.
	The UK is on track to cut emissions by nearly twice our Kyoto target (22 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008-12 compared to the target of 12.5 per cent. set out under the Kyoto agreement).
	The Climate Change Act in 2008 set a target of at least 80 per cent. reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050. Our first three carbon budgets legally bind the UK to a cut in greenhouse gases of 34 per cent. by 2018-22 against a 1990 baseline. In 2009, the UK's Low Carbon Transition Plan set out the long-term vision for climate change and energy and showing how we will meet the carbon budgets set out in the Climate Change Act.
	In the same year, my Department published National Policy Statements on energy infrastructure which will lead to faster and fairer planning decisions and a diverse low carbon energy mix. An ambitious new framework for clean coal will also drive development of carbon capture and storage.
	The UK's energy market is the most competitive in the EU and has attracted over £97 billion of investment from 1997 to 2008 (at 2005 prices). The UK also has the greatest installed capacity of offshore wind in the world.
	Turning to household measures, since 2002, the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and its predecessors have helped over six million households with insulation measures with almost three million of these in a priority group of vulnerable households.
	Government will be providing more financial assistance to help people generate their own heat and electricity in low carbon ways, where appropriate, through 'clean energy cashback' schemes:
	Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) will be in place from April 2010. Payment for low carbon electricity produced by small-scale generators (including households), will be provided through the electricity supply companies to encourage the uptake of low carbon and renewable electricity generating technologies by households, businesses and communities.
	The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), scheduled for launch in April 2011, will provide households, communities and businesses with payment for getting their heat from renewable sources. The detailed design of the RHI is currently out for consultation.
	 Warm Front scheme: Blaydon constituency
	DECC's Warm Front scheme provides grants for households on qualifying income and disability related benefits to install a range of insulation and heating measures in their homes. Since 2000 the scheme has assisted 2092 households in the Blaydon constituency.

Departmental ICT

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department has spent on font licensing.

Joan Ruddock: The Department uses the range of fonts provided under a desktop IT service contract, and has spent nothing on additional font licensing.

Electricity Generation

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much electricity wind farms have supplied to the National Grid in each of the last four weeks for which information is available.

David Kidney: Electricity supplied by wind farms in each of the last four weeks is given in the following table. The data are made available by National Grid and only refer to wind which is operationally metered i.e. around half of the onshore wind farms and none of the offshore wind farms.
	
		
			  Electricity supplied by wind during the last four weeks 
			  Week commencing  Operationally metered wind generation (MWh) 
			 1 January 2010 51,535 
			 8 January 2010 90,839 
			 15 January 2010 114,923 
			 22 January 2010 61,164 
		
	
	A more complete coverage of wind generation, on a monthly basis, and with a two-month lag, can be found on DECC's Energy Statistics website, in table ET5.3.

Electricity Generation

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he plans to publish the final electricity supply licence conditions for the purpose of introducing the feed-in tariff scheme.

David Kidney: The Government's response to the summer 2009 consultation was published on Monday 1 February and is available from the DECC website at
	http://decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/elec_financial/elec_financial.aspx
	Copies of the electricity supply licence conditions were placed in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office on Wednesday 3 February.

Fuel Poverty: Hemsworth

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent steps his Department has taken to reduce the level of fuel poverty in Hemsworth.

David Kidney: The Government have a strong package of measures to help reduce fuel poverty among vulnerable households which includes pensioners. This is centred on tackling the three root causes of fuel poverty:
	Reducing the demand for energy by improving home energy efficiency through schemes such as Warm Front, Carbon Emissions Reduction Target, Community Energy Saving programme and the Decent Homes Standard.
	Between 2005 and the end of January 2010 Warm Front delivered energy efficiency measures to 2702 households in Hemsworth;
	Putting in place and continuously looking to improve a regulatory framework that promotes competition as the main driver to ensure downward pressure on prices for consumers, and to improve licence conditions and strengthen Ofgem's powers through the Energy Bill; and
	Raising real incomes, including through winter fuel payments and cold weather payments alongside the wider tax and benefit system and through benefit entitlement checks under the Warm Front scheme. Over 622 such checks have been undertaken in Hemsworth by Warm Front between 2005 and the end of November 2009, identifying an average weekly increase in income of £25.09 for those entitled to additional benefits.
	We have also introduced legislation to implement mandated social price support schemes once the current voluntary agreement with suppliers comes to an end in 2011. These schemes will provide more of the most vulnerable consumers with help towards their energy costs. We have said that we are minded to focus the majority of the additional resources on older pensioner households on the lowest incomes as these households tend to have a high incidence of fuel poverty-over 50 per cent. of fuel poor households have a person over 60 living in them; their circumstances are relatively stable; and they are at the greatest risk of excess winter deaths.
	Through our fuel poverty review we will continue to build and strengthen the evidence base on fuel poverty and explore better ways of targeting help at the most vulnerable fuel poor households.

Fuel Poverty: Scotland

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his latest estimate is of the number of households in fuel poverty in each constituency in Scotland.

David Kidney: The matters raised in this question concern policy devolved to the Scottish Parliament and it is therefore the responsibility of Scottish Ministers.

Hemsworth

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will set out, with statistical information related as directly as possible to Hemsworth constituency, the effects on Hemsworth of his Department's policies and actions since 2000.

Joan Ruddock: The Department of Energy and Climate Change and its predecessors have implemented a large number of policies to address energy security, emissions reductions, low carbon economic growth and fuel poverty since 2000. Some of the key achievements are set out as follows, along with information on the number of households assisted by the Warm Front scheme in Hemsworth constituency. It would be disproportionately costly to provide statistical information on all the impact of all the policies to the level of detail requested, but statistical information covering energy and climate change is available at:
	http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/statlstics.aspx
	 Key achievements
	Total UK greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by about 12 per cent. compared with 1997.
	The UK is on track to cut emissions by nearly twice our Kyoto target (22 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008-12 compared to the target of 12.5 per cent. set out under the Kyoto agreement).
	The Climate Change Act in 2008 set a target of at least 80 per cent. reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050. Our first three carbon budgets legally bind the UK to a cut in greenhouse gases of 34 per cent. by 2018-22 against a 1990 baseline. In 2009, the UK's Low Carbon Transition Plan set out the long-term vision for climate change and energy and showing how we will meet the carbon budgets set out in the Climate Change Act.
	In the same year, my department published National Policy Statements on energy infrastructure which will lead to faster and fairer planning decisions and a diverse low carbon energy mix. An ambitious new framework for clean coal will also drive development of carbon capture and storage.
	The UK's energy market is the most competitive in the EU and has attracted over £97 billion of investment from 1997 to 2008 (at 2005 prices). The UK also has the greatest installed capacity of offshore wind in the world.
	Turning to household measures, since 2002, the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and its predecessors have helped over six million households with insulation measures with almost three million of these in a priority group of vulnerable households.
	Government will be providing more financial assistance to help people generate their own heat and electricity in low carbon ways, where appropriate, through clean energy cashback schemes:
	Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) will be in place from April 2010. Payment for low carbon electricity produced by small-scale generators (including households), will be provided through the electricity supply companies to encourage the uptake of low carbon and renewable electricity generating technologies by households, businesses and communities.
	The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), scheduled for launch in April 2011, will provide households, communities and businesses with payment for getting their heat from renewable sources. The detailed design of the RHI is currently out for consultation.
	 Warm Front scheme: Hemsworth constituency
	DECC's Warm Front scheme provides grants for households on qualifying income and disability related benefits to install a range of insulation and heating measures in their homes. Since 2005 the scheme has assisted 2694 households in the Hemsworth constituency.

Housing: Carbon Emissions

Chloe Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions  (a) he and  (b) his officials have had on taking into account the longer term de-carbonisation of grid energy in the method used to calculate the carbon compliance rating of a dwelling; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ruddock: holding answer 26 January 2010
	Projections about grid decarbonisation are already taken into account in the carbon emission factors that are used to determine carbon compliance. The factor is currently calculated by projecting five years into the future, based on an average value of carbon intensity. Officials from DECC and CLG are working closely with the zero carbon hub's working group that has been set up to consider issues such as compliance and its assessment, as we move to zero carbon homes in 2016. The carbon intensity of grid energy, electricity, gas and the other fuels, is likely to be a factor in their deliberations. The workgroup is expected to make its recommendations later this year.

Mining: Pensions

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much employees paid in contributions to the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme between 1987 and 1994.

David Kidney: The Mineworkers' Pension Scheme became a closed scheme in 1994. The scheme, rather than this Department, is the custodian of information relating to employee members' contributions prior to that time. I would suggest that my hon. Friend direct his inquiry to:
	The Secretary
	Mineworkers' Pension Scheme
	Hussar Court
	Hillsborough Barracks
	Sheffield
	S6 2GZ.

Renewable Energy

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the potential for renewable energy generation  (a) at and  (b) in the vicinity of the site of Dungeness nuclear power station.

David Kidney: The Department has not made any assessment of the potential for renewable energy generation at, or in the vicinity of, the site of the Dungeness nuclear power station. It is for the market to bring forward applications for potential sites for renewable energy projects. These are then considered by the relevant planning authority on a case-by-case basis.

TRANSPORT

Aviation

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to the answer of 25 January 2010,  Official Report, column 523W, on aviation, how many of the domestic flights which travelled 300 miles or less in each of the last three years were lifeline flights.

Paul Clark: The following table shows the number of the domestic flights that departed from a UK reporting airport and which travelled 300 miles or less, and of these the number of lifeline flights, in each of the last three years.
	
		
			   Number of flight departures  Number of lifeline flight departures 
			 2006 291,965 6,352 
			 2007 287,939 6,961 
			 2008 275,926 7,138 
			  Notes: 1. Flights by passenger aircraft only. 2. Total domestic flight departures are based on data from 58 reporting UK airports, including flights from the Isle of Man and Channel Island airports. Lifeline flights are based on flight information from 10 of these UK airports which report to the CAA. 3. Lifeline flights are those routes with public service obligations (PSOs) imposed by the UK published by the Civil Aviation Authority in 'CAP 775: Air Services at UK Regional Airports-An Update on Developments'.  Source: Based on data supplied to DFT by the Civil Aviation Authority

Aviation: Baggage

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether his Department has had discussions with its international counterparts on the weight of bags in transit through UK airports.

Paul Clark: Primary responsibility for occupational safety matters rests with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Bag weight is only one factor in the risks associated with manual handling and HSE works with European counterparts through the Senior Labour Inspectors Committee and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work to mitigate these risks. In 2007, Labour Inspectorates in the EU launched an inspection and communication campaign to prevent lower back disorders, targeting the transport and healthcare sectors.
	HSE also collaborates on reducing manual handling risk with the International Air Transport Association and other international aviation health and safety groups such as the International Aviation Handlers Association and the US based ARTEX group.

Aviation: Baggage

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what response he has made to the Health and Safety Executive's recommendation of a 23kg maximum weight for an item of checked baggage.

Paul Clark: The recommendation for a 23 kilo bag weight limit is from International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is supported by HSE as one aspect of industry risk reduction measures. Weight is only one factor in manual handling risk and HSE has worked with the industry and IATA to introduce, first, a recommended 32 kilo bag weight limit, then, in 2009, a recommended 23 kilo limit.

Crossrail: Recruitment

Frank Field: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will ensure that notification of job vacancies arising from the Crossrail scheme is made through Jobcentre Plus before such vacancies are advertised elsewhere.

Sadiq Khan: Crossrail Ltd. has established a partnership with Jobcentre Plus to maximise the number of local people employed on the Crossrail scheme. Under these arrangements, Crossrail contractors' vacancies will be advertised through Jobcentre Plus 48 hours before the contractor advertises elsewhere. These arrangements are set out in a draft Memorandum of Understanding between Jobcentre Plus and Crossrail which will shortly be finalised.
	Vacancies for posts within Crossrail Ltd. itself are not advertised through Jobcentre Plus; the majority of these positions require particularly specific role/industry experience or specialist technical skills. Vacancies in Crossrail Ltd. are therefore advertised on the Crossrail website at:
	www.crossrail.co.uk/company/careers-and-training/vacancies

Departmental Art Works

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to the answer of 28 January 2010,  Official Report, column 994W, on departmental public expenditure, on what items of art  (a) his Department's London headquarters spent £504,606,  (b) the Marine Accident Investigation Branch spent £103,  (c) the Highways Agency spent £1,799,366 and  (d) the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency spent £164,179.

Chris Mole: As advised previously the Department for Transport spent £1,162 on art in 2008-09; there was no other expenditure on art within that period.

Freedom of Information

Justine Greening: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to the answer of 20 January 2010,  Official Report, columns 342-43W, on departmental correspondence, for what reasons he did not include within his Department's disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 of the full set of emails from 19 September 2007 to 12 November 2007 between his Department and BAA regarding the Project for the Sustainable Development of Heathrow, an email received on 19 September 2007 at 10:17 (sender/receiver redacted) with the subject line: fwd:Re: PSDH:R3 2020.

Paul Clark: A copy of the e-mail in question was disclosed to the hon. Member as part of the two bundles of correspondence supplied under cover of my letter of 19 November. The first bundle covered the period between 19 September and 12 November 2007 and the second the period from then to the date of the Heathrow decisions in January 2009. The email in question was not included in the first bundle only because, in the exercise to compile a record of the Heathrow papers, it had been filed under the date of a forwarding e-mail falling within the latter period.

Heathrow Airport

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Minister of State, Department or Transport what recent discussions he has had with representatives of baggage handlers at Heathrow Airport on the effects of their jobs on their health.

Paul Clark: I met representatives of Unite the Union on 21 July last year to discuss their 'Lighten Up' campaign about the effects of aircraft baggage weights on the health of their members. This followed a meeting between the Secretary of State for Transport and Unite on 27 April 2009 at which the health and safety of baggage handlers was discussed. In addition, I addressed the Unite sectoral conference on aviation on this and other matters on 23 November 2009.

M1

Greg Knight: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how many fatalities there were on the M1 in  (a) sections with side run-off protection and  (b) sections without side run-off protection in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Chris Mole: The following table shows validated figures for all fatalities for the M1 in each of the last three years for which figures are available.
	
		
			  M1  1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007  1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008  1 April 2008 to 31 December 2008( 1) 
			  (a) With side run-off protection 4 18 5 
			  (b) Without side runoff protection 7 6 12 
			 (1) Validated data are only available up to 31 December 2008

M1

Greg Knight: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what proportion of the length of the M1 has side run-off protection; and what estimates he has made of the cost of installing such protection for the entire length of the M1.

Chris Mole: Approximately 45 per cent. of the M1 has side run-off protection.
	To date there has been no estimate made of the cost of installing side run-off protection on the entire length of the M1. Such systems are put in place on sections of road that satisfy specific criteria as set out in Highways Agency standards. The need for such vehicle restraints is under constant review as part of operational requirements.

Railways: Fares

David Drew: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will prescribe times between which train operating companies may charge peak fares for rail tickets.

Chris Mole: With the exception of the off-peak return, which, where regulated, must, as a minimum, be available during times defined in the franchise agreement, there are no restrictions in the defining of the peak hours in which peak tickets are required for travel.
	The profile of passenger fares that constitutes the peak varies between franchise areas.
	Off-peak day fares (old cheap day returns) are unregulated and train operators have the discretion to set the hours of their validity.

Rescue Services: Hope Cove

Anthony Steen: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what maritime risks the capability review team took into account in deciding that the Hope Cove lifeboat should be permanently decommissioned.

Paul Clark: The maritime risks considered by the review team cover the broad categories of incidents at sea, on the beach, cliff, coastal path and in a tidal river. No decisions have been taken, or will be taken, about the future of the general purpose boat based at Hope Cove until after the current consultation exercise about the search and rescue provision in the southern part of the South West Peninsula.

Rescue Services: Hope Cove

Anthony Steen: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport who was consulted on  (a) the drafting of clause 42 of the Hope Cove lifeboat consultation document and  (b) the future of the Hope Cove lifeboat; and how many visits to the Hope Cove consultation website have been recorded since its creation.

Paul Clark: There is no clause 42 within the consultation document. However paragraph 4.2 and its view on the future of the Hope Cove general purpose boat was developed by the collective local, regional and national HM Coastguard management with many years experience of assessing and providing Search and Rescue services.
	The latest statistics available to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency show that as at 8 February 2010 the consultation web page had been viewed 172 times.

Rescue Services: Hope Cove

Anthony Steen: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what the cost to the public purse was of running the Hope Cove lifeboat since 1992.

Paul Clark: Officials at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have been asked to compile the requested data. The process involves reconciling a number of different data sources to provide the information requested in a helpful form. As soon as that information is available it will be placed in the Libraries of the House. It should be noted that, as per best practice, the MCA keeps financial records only for the previous six financial years so therefore will not be able to provide information prior to financial year 2004-05.

Rescue Services: Hope Cove

Anthony Steen: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether the Hope Cove lifeboat crew was consulted on its new equipment before that equipment was issued.

Paul Clark: In line with standard Maritime and Coastguard Agency procedures, the Hope Cove General Purpose Boat Crew members were not consulted prior to their personal protective equipment being replaced.
	To reflect the operating restrictions placed on the boat, helmets were changed to offer additional head protection in a man overboard situation and lifejackets were changed to those of an approved standard suitable for use on general purpose boats.

Rescue Services: Hope Cove

Anthony Steen: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether the Marine and Coastguard Agency would continue to task the Hope Cove lifeboat in circumstances in which it were privately run; and if he will take steps to ensure that the Hope Cove lifeboat is back in service by 1 March 2010.

Paul Clark: From the matrix of assets that are fit for purpose and available, Her Majesty's Coastguard will task the most appropriate declared search and rescue resource to deal with the given circumstances of a maritime incident. It is the view of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) that the resources available for search and rescue in the southern part of the South West Peninsula are sufficient to address the known maritime risks for that location, without the need for an additional boat at Hope Cove, whether or not that they were privately run. However, this is the subject of a consultation exercise at this time and no decisions about the future of the general purpose boat at Hope Cove will be taken until the consultation period is complete.
	In the interim, the existing Coastguard General Purpose boat based at Hope Cove, which is not a primary search and rescue asset, will be available within the terms of its restricted operation, imposed to protect its crew, from the beginning of April.

Roads: Finance

Mark Hunter: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport which projects have been allocated funding from the £6 billion fund for national strategic roads announced in July 2008; how much each has been allocated  (a) before the start of financial year 2009-10 and  (b) in respect of financial year (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13, (v) 2013-14 and (vi) 2014-15; which of them are planned to start before the end of financial year 2009-10; and how much funding each such project has been allocated beyond financial year 2014-15.

Chris Mole: holding answer 9 February 2010
	The Command Paper 'Roads-Delivering Choice and Reliability', published in July 2008, announced that up to £6 billion had been made available to fund improvements to national strategic roads in England. The policy statement 'Britain's Transport Infrastructure-Motorway and Major Trunk Roads', published in January 2009, announced how the proposed investment was to be targeted.
	Under current project governance arrangements, the Department makes an investment commitment only once a scheme is ready to commence construction. The preceding stages of scheme development are funded by the incremental release of phase budgets without making any commitment to fund the scheme beyond the next phase.
	For this reason, the following analysis is confined to those schemes that have already secured investment commitment and have entered the construction phase.
	
		
			Years relating to £6 billion funding assumption 
			(a) Actual  (£ million)  (b) 2009-10 and subsequent years forecast funding allocation at 31 December 2009 (£ million) 
			  Projects allocated funding from £6 billion funding assumption  Prior years  2008-09  (i) 2009-10  (ii) 2010-11  (iii) 2011-12  (iv) 2012-13  (v) 2013-14  (vi) 2014-15 
			  Projects under construction (pre January 2009 start of works): 
			 M1 J25-28 43.1 105.3 136.2 35.2 - - - - 
			 A5117DeesidePark 37.2 25.5 - - - - - - 
			 A1 Bramham to Wetherby 40.2 23.3 8.5 - - - - - 
			 M40 J15 Longbridge 10.7 23.5 32.1 3.9 - - - - 
			  
			  Projects under construction (post January 2009 start of works): 
			 A1 Dishforth to Leeming 36.7 32.5 70.0 91.2 79.7 - - - 
			 M25 J16-23 (Section 1) 17.2 5.2 89.9 183.9 190.5 108.6 - - 
			 M25 J27-30 (Section 4) 13.5 3.8 32.2 115.0 183.3 46.5 - - 
			 M1 J10-13 28.2 7.7 21.3 122.1 148.5 86.9 - - 
			 A46 Newark (part funding) - - 73.0 63.5 16.1 9.8 - - 
		
	
	The A46 Newark to Widmerpool scheme is a regional project that is part-funded by the national roads programme as part of accelerated expenditure under the fiscal stimulus initiative announced in July 2009. The budget allocation identified in the table above relates only to the contribution to scheme costs from the national budget.
	The Birmingham Box Phase 1 and Phase 2 schemes were both identified in the January 2009 policy statement but are to be funded from the HA Network Operations budget.
	The A14 Traffic Technology scheme was also identified in the January 2009 policy statement but is to be funded from the Department for Transport Technology Innovation Fund.
	There is one further investment commitment planned before the end of financial year 2009-10; however, this remains subject to approval from HM Treasury. The replacement of the Catthorpe Viaduct forms part of the M1 Junction 19 Improvement scheme. An initial investment commitment of up to £25 million is planned with costs apportioned equally between 2010-11 and 2011-12. Any further investment commitment will only be made once the statutory process has been completed for the scheme as a whole.

Roads: Snow and Ice

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what steps have been taken since 4 February 2009 to ensure that local authorities have adequate supplies of road salt.

Sadiq Khan: Winter service, including provisioning adequate salt stocks, is a matter for each individual local highway authority. Salt is available on open markets from a range of sources.
	Valuable reviews were conducted last year by the Transport Select Committee (The Effects of Adverse Weather Conditions on Transport, HC328), the Local Government Association (Weathering the Storm), the UK Roads Liaison Group (Lessons from the Severe Weather February 2009) and the Greater London Authority (Slipping Up?). I explained to the House on 15 December 2009,  Official Report, column 122WS the action the Government have taken to implement the recommendations in the UK Roads Liaison Group's report.
	The salt cell, which has been established to advise salt suppliers which areas of the nation's road network have the greatest need for salt, has operated from 5 February 2009 to 12 March 2009, and from 6 January 2010 to the present.

Roads: Standards

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport 
	(1)  if he will bring forward proposals to increase the powers of enforcement available to local authorities to ensure that roads and amenity spaces are brought up to an appropriate standard for adoption;
	(2)  by what mechanisms local authorities ensure that roads and amenity spaces are brought up to an appropriate standard for adoption.

Sadiq Khan: Under the Highways Act 1980, local highway authorities may adopt streets that they are not currently responsible for maintaining. It is for individual authorities to decide whether they wish to adopt particular streets, taking account of local priorities, but a street may be adopted only if the majority of owners in that street agree. The Act also provides powers, under the private street works code, for a highway authority to bring a street up to the standard required for adoption and to recover the costs from frontagers.
	If a developer intends that a street on a new development should become part of the public highway network, it should either provide a deposit or bond to cover the cost of ensuring the street meets the standard for adoption, or enter into an adoption agreement with the local highway authority. Enquiries made by purchasers' solicitors should reveal what arrangements are being made by the developer in relation to adoption of the street.
	We have not received representations from local authorities that these long-standing statutory arrangements are insufficient, so we have no current proposals for changes.

Snow and Ice

Bob Spink: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what estimate he has made of the costs to his Department arising from the severe weather conditions in the period 4 January to 18 January 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Mole: The Department for Transport has made no estimate of the costs to it arising from the severe weather conditions in the period between 4 January and 18 January 2010.
	During this period, the Department took prompt action to respond to the exceptional circumstances experienced by our transport systems. In particular, the Department activated the Salt Cell on 6 January to provide advice on priorities for deliveries.
	All costs incurred as a result of activating the Salt Cell will be met from within the Department's existing resources.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Affordable Housing

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much the Homes and Communities Agency spent acquiring unsold stock for affordable housing in each month since February 2009; and how many such properties have been purchased.

John Healey: I refer the hon. Member to the answers he was given by my hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Wright) on 24 March 2009,  Official Report, column 220W and on 27 April 2009,  Official Report, column 1115W.
	Information on expenditure on acquisitions for 2009-10 will be available after the end of the financial year.

Affordable Housing

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many applications were received for the  (a) HomeBuy Direct,  (b) New Build HomeBuy,  (c) Open Market HomeBuy,  (d) First Time Buyer's Initiative and  (e) Social HomeBuy schemes in each region in each year since 2005.

John Healey: The following table shows the number of applications received for Open Market HomeBuy for 2006-07 to 2008-09. Information prior to 2006-07 is not held centrally.
	
		
			  Region  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 London 5,024 11,364 10,820 
			 South East 9,818 13,307 21,113 
			 East 2,103 4,921 11,701 
			 South West 3,724 7,862 8,866 
			 East Midlands 535 679 1,691 
			 West Midlands 1,007 776 1,259 
			 North West 754 742 1,310 
			 North East 54 156 231 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 413 793 1,447 
			 Total 23,432 40,600 58,438 
		
	
	Information on applications for the First Time Buyers Initiative is only held at a national level. The following table shows the number of applications for 2006-07 to 2008-09, there were no applications received before then.
	
		
			   Applications 
			 2006-07 13,992 
			 2007-08 18,282 
			 2008-09 21,281 
		
	
	Information on applications for HomeBuy Direct, New Build HomeBuy and Social HomeBuy is not held centrally. Applications are processed by HomeBuy Agents (appointed housing associations).

Audit Commission

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Meriden of 16 December 2009,  Official Report, column 1261W, on the Audit Commission: procurement, how much the Audit Commission has spent on Roleplay UK in the last 36 months; and on what dates.

Rosie Winterton: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct.
	 Letter from Steve Bundred, dated 9 February 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question outlined above has been passed to me to reply.
	The Audit Commission has spent £166,179 in the last 36 months with Roleplay UK. A breakdown showing when these payments were made is shown in the table attached.
	A copy of this letter will be placed in Hansard.
	
		
			  2007 
			  Invoice date  Amount 
			 6 February 2007 1,186.87 
			 7 February 2007 564.00 
			 12 February 2007 744.72 
			 15 February 2007 1,089.94 
			 15 February 2007 554.13 
			 2 March 2007 1,233.16 
			 8 March 2007 1,103.91 
			 8 March 2007 1,202.03 
			 15 March 2007 1,318.47 
			 26 March 2007 439.22 
			 28 March 2007 697.66 
			 28 March 2007 962.92 
			 28 March 2007 640.96 
			 28 March 2007 186.83 
			 28 March 2007 755.47 
			 4 April 2007 24.79 
			 11 April 2007 242.29 
			 11 April 2007 1,138.46 
			 13 April 2007 564.71 
			 13 April 2007 726.39 
			 30 April 2007 969.61 
			 30 April 2007 2,296.66 
			 4 May 2007 574.34 
			 4 May 2007 1,115.94 
			 9 May 2007 1,894.81 
			 18 May 2007 488.57 
			 22 May 2007 1,420.69 
			 1 June 2007 758.82 
			 1 June 2007 723.57 
			 1 June 2007 897.82 
			 25 June 2007 2,367.63 
			 27 June 2007 496.56 
			 3 July 2007 1,200.03 
			 13 July 2007 724.62 
			 13 July 2007 724.62 
			 13 July 2007 869.62 
			 23 July 2007 1,116.13 
			 27 July 2007 1,316.35 
			 6 September 2007 1,159.61 
			 18 September 2007 1,405.77 
			 24 September 2007 1,157.73 
			 26 September 2007 825.32 
			 26 September 2007 752.94 
			 28 September 2007 2,198.82 
			 28 September 2007 691.84 
			 31 July 2007 567.06 
			 8 October 2007 691.84 
			 12 October 2007 1,185.69 
			 12 October 2007 3,454.39 
			 12 October 2007 2,361.23 
			 19 October 2007 1,889.64 
			 26 October 2007 747.07 
			 26 October 2007 1,652.64 
			 26 October 2007 3,859.02 
			 26 October 2007 288.12 
			 5 November 2007 1,806.37 
			 12 November 2007 2,396.94 
			 12 November 2007 1,894.57 
			 22 November 2007 2,765.25 
			 29 November 2007 2,430.02 
			 29 November 2007 1,822.35 
			 6 December 2007 1,969.30 
			 18 December 2007 1,286.63 
			 Total 76,593.48 
		
	
	
		
			  2008 
			  Invoice date  Amount 
			 2 January 2008 753.88 
			 2 January 2008 1,271.00 
			 2 January 2008 1,267.72 
			 10 January 2008 1,343.85 
			 14 January 2008 724.62 
			 4 February2008 1,322.11 
			 6 February 2008 763.75 
			 25 February 2008 726.03 
			 25 February 2008 1,233.99 
			 25 February 2008 2,687.23 
			 25 February 2008 300.81 
			 28 February 2008 1,291.57 
			 3 March 2008 1,329.28 
			 5 March 2008 1,387.68 
			 13 March 2008 3,413.50 
			 13 March 2008 660.47 
			 14 March 2008 1,381.81 
			 17 March 2008 300.81 
			 25 March 2008 1,132.00 
			 27 March 2008 607.24 
			 30 March 2008 763.75 
			 14 April 2008 1,000.75 
			 16 April 2008 720.04 
			 24 April 2008 2,287.02 
			 24 April 2008 2,599.10 
			 24 April 2008 2,091.97 
			 29 April 2008 1,821.02 
			 1 May 2008 2,167.99 
			 8 May 2008 1,198.15 
			 16 May 2008 2,424.61 
			 21 May 2008 1,312.01 
			 28 May 2008 898.88 
			 6 June 2008 708.76 
			 8 July 2008 1,257.13 
			 23 July 2008 2,637.41 
			 31 July 2008 300.81 
			 31 July 2008 662.47 
			 12 August 2008 300.81 
			 12 August 2008 1,794.11 
			 26 August 2008 1,956.56 
			 2 September 2008 1,132.23 
			 19 September 2008 725.68 
			 7 October 2008 978.66 
			 14 October 2008 1,727.25 
			 17 October 2008 285.88 
			 21 October 2008 579.28 
			 21 October 2008 2535.3 
			 20 November 2008 3,210.57 
			 25 November 2008 755.06 
			 25 November 2008 1,424.58 
			 11 December 2008 552.92 
			 23 December 2008 676.89 
			 Total 67,387.00 
		
	
	
		
			  2009 
			  Invoice date  Amount 
			 13 January 2009 673.10 
			 26 January 2009 1,357.23 
			 26 January 2009 678.62 
			 11 February 2009 1,352.40 
			 11 February 2009 830.07 
			 13 February 2009 656.65 
			 23 February 2009 410.23 
			 27 March 2009 1,995.14 
			 6 May 2009 278.53 
			 11 May 2009 323.38 
			 14 May 2009 1,246.60 
			 4 June 2009 275.31 
			 8 June 2009 3,100.40 
			 29 June 2009 3,133.06 
			 9 July 2009 222.30 
			 10 July 2009 222.30 
			 17 July 2009 643.54 
			 30 July 2009 683.79 
			 30 July 2009 683.79 
			 27 August 2009 442.41 
			 28 August 2009 314.64 
			 28 September 2009 623.30 
			 20 November 2009 225.40 
			 Total 20,372.20 
		
	
	
		
			  2010 
			  Invoice date  Amount 
			 7 January 2010 1495.58 
			 15 January 2010 330.42 
			 Total 1,826.00

Cleethorpes

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Cleethorpes constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 1997.

Barbara Follett: The Neighbourhood Statistics Service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 Census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at:
	http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/
	Communities and Local Government statistical publications can be found at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/researchandstatistics/statistics/
	This includes time series data across the Department's remit at various geographic levels.
	Details of research projects commissioned by Communities and Local Government and its predecessors are available from our Research Database (RD) at:
	http://www.rmd.communities.gov.uk/
	This includes evaluations of key policies.
	Over the last year, Communities and Local Government has:
	Played a critical role responding to the recession ensuring people, business and communities receive the practical help they need, including: helping people avoid repossession; Real Help Now; supporting the construction industry, critical regeneration projects, jobs through Future Jobs Fund; and businesses with the business rates deferral scheme.
	Set in place a platform for greater local devolution for more effective decision making through Local Area Agreements (LAAs)-including slashing central performance standards from over 1,200 to fewer than 200.
	Continued building on this through Total Place pilots, leading innovation across public services-cutting out waste, overlap and duplication, meaning more and better quality services at less cost to the taxpayer.
	Established the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) set out in the Planning Act 2008-which will make the major Infrastructure Planning decisions for the country, delivering a faster, fairer and more transparent planning regime.
	Announced the £1.5 billion Housing Pledge to deliver an additional 20,000 units of affordable housing, creating 45,000 jobs in the construction industry over this year and next, including 1,300 new apprenticeship schemes.
	During the period since 1997, the Department's achievements include:
	Working with local housing authorities to reduce the number of people accepted as owed a main homelessness duty by 71 per cent. since the peak in 2003-the lowest level since the late seventies-through greater emphasis on the prevention of homelessness.
	Launching the Local Government White Paper Strong and Prosperous Communities which set out a new stage of public sector reform, significantly strengthening leadership and devolving power to local government as well as providing a major expansion of opportunities for local people to influence local decision-making and improve their lives.
	Helping reduce accidental fire-related deaths-the lowest level since 1959.
	Reducing by 1.2 million the number of non decent social homes.
	Investing through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund £1.87 billion for England's 88 most deprived local authorities-leading to real positive change.

Community Development: Greater London

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much of each  (a) funding stream and  (b) grant allocated by his Department which is ring-fenced to meet targets on tackling deprivation was provided with reference to multiple indicators to (i) Roehampton ward, (ii) each local authority area in London and (iii) each lower layer super output area in London in each year since 2000.

Rosie Winterton: During this period ring-fenced funding streams have not been allocated to tackle deprivation.

Community Development: Greater London

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much funding was provided to each local authority in London in respect of each of its  (a) lower layer super output areas and  (b) wards under the (i) Working Neighbourhoods Fund, (ii) Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, (iii) Deprived Area Fund, (iv) Local Enterprise Growth Initiative, (v) New Deal for Communities, (vi) Neighbourhood Management Pathfinders, (vii) New Communities Fund, (viii) European Regional Development Fund, (xiv) Inspiring Communities Grant, (x) Connecting Communities, (xi) Single Regeneration Budget and (xii) Land and Property Programme in each year since 2000.

Rosie Winterton: Information is not available for each ward or each lower layer super output area (LSOA). Many of the funding methods follow closely the principles of devolution and provide eligible local authorities with the authority, freedom and flexibility to best determine the local needs and options and use the funding in creative ways to support local priorities.
	I have placed in the Library of the House tables which provide information on the London authorities under each programme.

Council Housing

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how many homes from local authority housing stock were disposed of in each year since 1997;
	(2)  what the net change in the number of homes in local authority housing stock was in each year since 1997.

Ian Austin: The changes in local authority stock are given in the following table:
	
		
			  Financial year  Change in stock over previous year 
			 1997-98 -74,743 
			 1998-99 -122,953 
			 1999-2000 -132,166 
			 2000-01 -169,147 
			 2001-02 -204,763 
			 2002-03 -112,812 
			 2003-04 -245,283 
			 2004-05 -121,342 
			 2005-06 -170,192 
			 2006-07 -88,755 
			 2007-08 -147,605 
			 2008-09 -72,978 
			 2009-10 -43,725

Departmental Accountancy

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether any written instructions have been provided to the Accounting Officer for his Department and its predecessors in accordance with paragraph 5.5 of the Ministerial Code since May 1997.

Barbara Follett: The accounting officer for the Department for Communities and Local Government has not obtained a ministerial direction since the Department was established in May 2006. I am not aware that any ministerial directions were issued to accounting officers of CLG's predecessor Departments in respect of the Department's current responsibilities since May 1997.

Departmental Public Consultation

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he has made a recent estimate of the cost of  (a) on and  (b) off-line electronic consultation by his Department; whether he has plans to increase his Department's use of new media technologies to undertake consultations; and if he will make a statement.

Barbara Follett: All the Department's consultations are available online, with paper and Braille copies made available upon request. To date, no assessment of the overall costs of electronic consultations has taken place. The Department considers a range of media channels when engaging with people on a case by case basis and will continue to utilise new media channels to consult where appropriate.

Fire Services

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the availability of alternative technologies and products to perform an equivalent function to regional fire and rescue control centres.

Shahid Malik: We are committed to delivering the FiReControl project. Our prime contractor is EADS who are contracted to deliver the IT solution, following a competitive procurement.

Government Car and Despatch Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Department paid to the Government Car and Despatch Agency in each of the last five years; how much it has spent on such payments in 2009-10; and what proportion of such payments was made in respect of the Government Car Service.

Barbara Follett: The Department has spent the following amounts with the Government Car and Dispatch Agency since 2006. Figures for earlier years could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2006-07 1,001,836 
			 2007-08 834,748 
			 2008-09 862,853 
			 2009-January 2010 621,411 
		
	
	This figure could be disaggregated only at disproportionate cost but the costs to the Department of ministerial cars are reported annually to Parliament by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport through written ministerial statements and are available in the Libraries of the House.

Government Offices for the Regions: Finance

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funding streams are administered by the Government Offices for the Regions.

Rosie Winterton: The Government Offices for the Regions have specific responsibility for an administration running cost budget and a capital budget.
	Programme budgets administered by the Government Offices are the responsibility of the Secretaries of State for the relevant sponsor Departments. The Departments delegate authority to the regional directors to spend against their programmes, though all expenditure incurred is recorded in the accounts of the Department concerned.
	There are currently 12 existing Sponsor Departments to the Government Offices Network; CLG, BIS, DfT, DCFS, DWP, DEFRA, Home Office, MoJ, DECC, DCMS, Cabinet Office and DoH.

Homes and Communities Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many full-time equivalent staff were employed by the Homes and Communities Agency Academy at the most recent date for which figures are available.

John Healey: As at the 31 December 2009, the Homes and Communities Agency Academy employed 22.8 full-time equivalent staff.

Homes and Communities Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was spent on  (a) staff,  (b) accommodation and  (c) administration by the (i) Homes and Communities Agency, (ii) Homes and Communities Agency Academy and (iii) Tenant Services Authority in 2008-09; and how much each such organisation has budgeted for in each such category of expenditure in 2009-10.

John Healey: Spend for 2008-09 can be found in the published annual report and accounts of the Homes and Communities Agency and the Tenant Services Authority. The accommodation and administration costs of the academy are contained within the overall costs of the Homes and Communities Agency. Details of the organisations' running costs budget can be found in their corporate plans and it is for the organisations to decide throughout the year how to allocate this budget within their programme sub-heads. Full details of spend for 2009-10 will be available in the 2009-10 annual report and accounts.

Homes and Communities Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much the Homes and Communities Agency has spent in each region in each year since its inception.

John Healey: The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) was established from 1 December 2008-09, though it reported in its financial statements 2008-09 on a merger accounting basis with figures covering the full financial year for 2008-09 (so including spend by the Housing Corporation, English Partnerships and also those programmes formerly delivered by the Department, during the earlier part of the year).
	Information on HCA's total spending broken down by region and by local authority for 2008-09 is to be published on HCA's website in due course. In addition, spending on social housing grant by the HCA through the national affordable housing programme is already shown for each English region for 2008-09, in the agency's financial statements for 2008-09.
	In-year progress in 2009-10 on national affordable housing programme regional allocations made through the continuous market engagement process is reported through quarterly regional investment statements, made available on the relevant regional pages of HCA's website.

Homes and Communities Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much the Homes and Communities Agency spent on its  (a) Decent Homes and Mixed Communities,  (b) Growth,  (c) Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant,  (d) Housing Market Renewal,  (e) Thames Gateway Delivery,  (f) Place of Change and  (g) Vulnerable People programme in 2008-09; and how much it expects to spent on each such programme in 2009-10.

John Healey: For items  (a) to  (f), this information is available in the HCA's annual report and accounts, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, or its corporate plan which is available at:
	http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/public/documents/HCA_Corporate%20Plan_English.pdf
	In respect of Vulnerable People, the Place of Change and Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant programmes are specifically targeted at vulnerable people. The HCA also seeks to support vulnerable and older people through its more general programmes such as the National Affordable Housing Programme, which covers both general needs and specialised and supported housing, and the Property and Regeneration programme.

Housing

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 30 March 2009,  Official Report, column 969W, on the housing market, when Ministers were first informed of the new analytical model developed by Heriot-Watt University; when that model came into use in his Department; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the research report associated with the development of that model.

Ian Austin: Ministers approved the commissioning of the housing need analytical model in March 2008. A final version of the model was provided to the Department in November 2009. The associated research report is currently being finalised.

Housing

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many  (a) homes and  (b) households there were in each region in each of the last two years.

Ian Austin: Information on the number of dwellings in each region of England is shown on an annual basis in live table 109 on the Communities and Local Government website at the following link:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/table-109.xls
	Information on the number of households in each region of England is shown on an annual basis in live table S135a on the Communities and Local Government website at the following link:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1393611.xls

Housing: Construction

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many new  (a) affordable homes and  (b) homes for social rent have been built in the spending period 2008-11.

Ian Austin: The most recent available information relates to 2008-09 and can be found in Live Table 1009 on the Communities and Local Government website at the following link:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1406088.xls

Housing: Construction

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homes were  (a) started and  (b) completed by (i) local authorities, (ii) housing associations and (iii) private builders in (A) 2008-09 and (B) 2009-10 to date.

Ian Austin: Information on the number of starts and completions by the tenure of the dwelling, rather than by who built the dwelling, is shown on a quarterly basis in Live Table 213 on the Communities and Local Government website at the following link:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1387065.xls
	The same series is shown on a seasonally adjusted basis in Live Table 222 on the Communities and Local Government website at the following link:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1387071.xls

Housing: Finance

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Department spent on the major repairs allowance in 2008-09; and how much he expects to spend on the allowance in  (a) 2009-10 and  (b) 2010-11.

Ian Austin: The total major repairs allowances for the three years are given in the following table.
	
		
			  Major repairs allowance (£) 
			 2008-09 1,241,997,931 
			 2009-10(1) 1,245,864,505 
			 2010-11(2) 1,273,502,542 
			 (1) Subject to audit. (2) Projected. 
		
	
	Figures for 2008-09 and 2009-10 are taken from the latest housing revenue account subsidy claim forms, the projection for 2010-11 is taken from the recent HRA subsidy determination.

Housing: Morecambe

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much funding the Government have allocated for housing regeneration in Morecambe and Lunesdale constituency since 1997.

Ian Austin: Funding for housing regeneration is mainly delivered through the Homes and Communities Agency. The Homes and Communities Agency operates and plans at a local authority level.
	The following table provides details of HCA spend within the local authority area of Lancaster from 2004-05 onwards.
	
		
			   2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 Property and Regen programme and asset transfer 2.998,502 4,675,519 3.943,494 1,409,210 833,944 
			 National Affordable Housing programme 2,202,944 1,745,068 2,881,443 2,401,295 2,176,243 
			 Total 5,201,446 6,420,547 6,824,937 3,810,505 3,010,187 
			 The Agency's Property and Regeneration programme relies on a mixture of receipts from disposed land assets as well as on Government grant. 
		
	
	Information from 1997 can be provided to a longer timescale. The HCA will report on figures for 2009-10 after the end of the financial year in their accounts and financial statements.

Local Government Finance

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2010,  Official Report, column 482W, on local government finance, against which authorities capping action was taken; and how the capping principles were exceeded in each case.

Barbara Follett: I refer the hon. Member to the following statements made by previous local government Ministers:
	29 April 2004,  Official Report, columns 1019-21;
	23 March 2005,  Official Report, columns 883-4;
	27 March 2006,  Official Report, columns 567-9;
	27 March 2008,  Official Report, columns 339-41;
	26 March 2009,  Official Report, columns 464-5.

Local Government: Standards

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate his Department has made of the cost to local authorities of reporting on their performance against  (a) negotiated area targets and  (b) national indicators.

Rosie Winterton: We do not hold this information. However, over the last year Communities and Local Government has undertaken reviews of the national indicator set and the local area agreement process to assess the impact of the local performance framework on local authorities and their partners. These reviews have been used to inform commitments in the recent Putting the Front Line First: Smarter Government White Paper. Specific commitments include removing indicators that are no longer relevant or needed by April 2010 and reducing the overall number of national indicators against which local authorities will have to report their performance for the next spending period. The White Paper also invited the current Total Place pilots to provide information on the costs of assessment and inspection to inform the Smarter Government workstreams. A report on the pilots will be published alongside Budget 2010.

Mobile Homes: Licensing

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to publish his Department's response to the consultation on park home site licensing; how many responses to that consultation his Department received; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each response to that consultation.

Ian Austin: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 8 February 2010,  Official Report, column 725W.

Non-domestic Rates: Garages and Petrol Stations

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which petrol retail outlets were used in the assessment of the new rateable values for the purpose of calculating the business rate to come into effect on 1 April 2010; and what the  (a) location and  (b) region was of each.

Barbara Follett: Broadly speaking, rateable value represents the annual rental value of the property. For the 2010 business rates revaluation, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) collected and examined 1,300 rents on petrol filling stations. This evidence was then filtered down to those rents that best reflected the rateable value assumptions and were agreed closest to the valuation date of 1 April 2008. There are around 100 of these key rents for petrol filling stations of which around 60 per cent. are from independent operators.
	Section 18 (1) of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 provides that Revenue and Customs officials may not disclose information which is held by them in connection with their function. As a result, valuation officers cannot disclose any details of the key rents from which the ratepayers or the properties concerned could be identified.
	The key rents can be summarised by region in England as follows:
	
		
			  Region  Number of key rents 
			 East Midlands 11 
			 East of England 11 
			 London 4 
			 North East 4 
			 North West 17 
			 South East 15 
			 South West 16 
			 West Midlands 7 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 12 
		
	
	The five-yearly business rates revaluations make sure each business pays its fair contribution and no more and will not raise a single extra penny for Government. Over a million properties will see their business rate liabilities come down as a result of revaluation.
	In the last five years, alongside rising petrol prices and increasing turnover, the rents paid on many petrol filling stations have grown. It is only fair to all ratepayers this is reflected in rate bills. The Government have put in place a £2 billion relief scheme to limit the impact on the minority with bill increases, which in 2010-11 will ensure no business property sees its rates bill increase by more than 11 per cent. as a result of the revaluation, with maximum increases capped at just 3.5 per cent. for small properties. That is on top of the wider support available to help ease business pressures including discounted rate bills for small businesses and deferring tax payments.

Non-Domestic Rates: Ports

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much has been received by local authorities in respect of business rates on hereditaments in ports since the entry into effect of the results of the Valuation Office Agency's review of rateable values.

Barbara Follett: The review of ports by the Valuation Office Agency was carried out in order to ensure that all individual business properties within, and outside, ports are rated fairly and to ensure that the burden of contributions to the funding local government services is shared equitably among businesses across the country.
	The Government have listened to the concerns of businesses with significant and unexpected backdated bills, including some within ports. It has legislated to enable such bills to be repaid over an unprecedented eight years rather than in a single instalment, thus helping affected businesses to manage the impact on their cash flows during the downturn by reducing the amount they are required to pay now by 87.5 per cent.
	The Government only hold a snap shot of information, from local authorities, on how much has been collected from port based ratepayers for backdated liabilities. It does not have information on how much may have been collected in respect of ongoing business rates payments on hereditaments in ports. As at 8 October 2009, local authorities have reported that ratepayers occupying 221 properties within ports had fully discharged their backdated liability and that a total of £21,246,973.01 in backdated liabilities had been collected.

Non-domestic Rates: Valuation

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Meriden of 16 December 2009,  Official Report, column 1298W, on non-domestic rates, what the  (a) postcode and  (b) percentage change in rateable value was in respect of each of the hereditaments included in the answer.

Barbara Follett: The following table gives the 50 hereditaments in Greater London, with their post codes, which showed, as at 29 May 2009, the largest percentage increase in rateable value between the compilation of the 2005 and the 2010 Ratings List. It also shows the percentage change in each hereditament's bill between 2005 and 2010 after transitional relief has been applied, but before other reliefs.
	The figures in the table are based on those in the Department's 2009 consultation document entitled: The Transitional Arrangements for the Non-Domestic Rating Revaluation 2010 in England. A copy of this can be found at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/nndrrevaluation2010
	
		
			  Rank  Percentage change in rateable value  Percentage change in bill as a result of revaluation after transitional relief( 1)  Postcode 
			 1 109,900 3.5 E2 8LR 
			 2 3,000 3.5 TN16 3LB 
			 3 1,878 11 EC1Y 1BE 
			 4 1,631 11 E8 1HR 
			 5 1,480 3.5 N17 7AA 
			 6 1,400 11 SE18 4QH 
			 7 1,283 3.5 BR6 0PF 
			 8 1,245 11 SE15 3NX 
			 9 1,180 3.5 HA3 7ZZ 
			 10 1,006 11 BR5 2QR 
			 11 980 11 E2 7RG 
			 12 938 11 E8 4QJ 
			 13 907 11 HA6 2RN 
			 14 900 3.5 SM6 0EN 
			 15 900 11 E14 5SH 
			 16 884 3.5 HA8 5HX 
			 17 838 3.5 E14 5AB 
			 18 832 11 EC2A 3BX 
			 19 825 3.5 SW11 6HF 
			 20 781 11 WC1H 0EG 
			 21 773 3.5 TW2 6HT 
			 22 757 3.5 E14 9SD 
			 23 743 11 NW1 6UP 
			 24 740 11 UB1 2JL 
			 25 727 3.5 W10 5BN 
			 26 704 11 SE10 8SE 
			 27 702 3.5 SW6 4PH 
			 28 688 3.5 SW7 8AN 
			 29 673 3.5 SE8 3BU 
			 30 672 11 SE17 1RW 
			 31 653 11 SW2 2RW 
			 32 636 3.5 N1 9RR 
			 33 632 11 EC1V 9HL 
			 34 613 3.5 E6 1EW 
			 35 613 3.5 SE16 7LU 
			 36 580 3.5 EN3 5JE 
			 37 562 11 E3 5QS 
			 38 550 3.5 SE1 7HR 
			 39 541 11 EC1V 9HL 
			 40 541 11 NW4 3FQ 
			 41 541 11 NW4 3FQ 
			 42 541 11 NW4 3FQ 
			 43 538 11 EN2 8AN 
			 44 536 11 E1 6QL 
			 45 535 11 NW1 0AS 
			 46 529 11 W9 2BS 
			 47 525 3.5 EN5 5RU 
			 48 520 11 E7 9HZ 
			 49 513 11 WC2N 6NN 
			 50 503 11 EC2M 7PY 
			 (1) The percentage change in rate bills will not be the same as the percentage change in rateable value. The Government's £2 billion relief scheme will cap increases in 2010-11 rate bills as a result of revaluation at no more than 11 per cent. and just 3.5 per cent. for small hereditaments. 
		
	
	The table includes mainly one-off cases where there are specific factual reasons for changes in rateable value well outside of the norm. In some cases the publication of draft valuations has brought forward new information and valuations-either 2005, 2010 or both-have been amended accordingly. Otherwise reasons for change relate to the unique circumstances of individual valuations; examples include removal of temporary reductions in rateable value or changes in domestic elements.
	The five-yearly business rates revaluations make sure each business pays its fair contribution and no more by ensuring that the share of the national rates bill paid by any one business reflects changes over time in the value of its property relative to others. The 2010 revaluation will not raise a single extra penny for Government.
	Over a million properties will see their business rate liabilities come down as a result of revaluation. The Government have put in place a £2 billion relief scheme to limit the impact on the minority with bill increases, which in 2010-11 will ensure no business property sees its rates bill increase by more than 11 per cent. as a result of the revaluation, with maximum increases capped at just 3.5 per cent. for small properties. That is on top of the wider support available to help ease business pressures including discounted rate bills for small businesses and deferring tax payments.

Non-domestic Rates: Valuation

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst of 5 January 2010,  Official Report, column 238W, on non-domestic rates, what the  (a) postcode and  (b) percentage change in rateable values was of each of the 50 individual hereditaments.

Barbara Follett: The following table gives the 50 hereditaments in the South East, with their post codes, which showed, as at 29 May 2009, the largest percentage increase in rateable value between the compilation of the 2005 and the 2010 Ratings List. It also shows the percentage change in each hereditament's bill between 2005 and 2010 after transitional relief has been applied, but before other reliefs.
	The figures in the table are based on those in the Department's 2009 consultation document entitled: The Transitional Arrangements for the Non-Domestic Rating Revaluation 2010 in England. A copy of this can be found at:
	http://www.voa.gov.uk/publications/statistical_releases/VOA_Statistics_Release_Final.pdf
	
		
			  Rank  Percentage change in rateable value  Percentage change in bill as a result of revaluation after transitional relief( 1)  Postcode 
			 1 (2)- 3.5 RH17 6EB 
			 2 (2)- 3.5 ME15 6JX 
			 3 (2)- 3.5 KT18 6DY 
			 4 4,567 3.5 CT5 2AW 
			 5 2,600 3.5 SO31 8GD 
			 6 2,471 3.5 PO18 8TH 
			 7 2,025 3.5 MK17 9LR 
			 8 1,708 3.5 ME20 7TP 
			 9 1,650 3.5 PO36 0NY 
			 10 1,633 3.5 ME13 7TS 
			 11 1,614 3.5 PO20 7HZ 
			 12 1,333 3.5 OX3 0BX 
			 13 1,275 3.5 GL7 3QS 
			 14 1,267 3.5 SO22 6AA 
			 15 1,158 11 RG1 4QA 
			 16 1,100 11 TN22 1UN 
			 17 1,054 3.5 CR3 5DQ 
			 18 1,041 11 BN22 7LD 
			 19 1,040 3.5 SO51 8BU 
			 20 1,023 3.5 TN5 1PT 
			 21 963 11 KT15 1NN 
			 22 900 3.5 CT15 5AF 
			 23 900 3.5 PO22 9NQ 
			 24 900 3.5 TN32 5NY 
			 25 858 3.5 PO37 6BN 
			 26 833 3.5 SP10 5DD 
			 27 800 3.5 CT7 0HW 
			 28 792 11 RG4 5AU 
			 29 785 11 BN2 5UZ 
			 30 775 3.5 SO41 8AN 
			 31 744 3.5 TN29 9JH 
			 32 742 11 SL1 5NL 
			 33 717 3.5 RG17 7DR 
			 34 714 11 BN10 7ET 
			 35 714 11 SL1 3HS 
			 36 690 11 TN37 7RD 
			 37 690 11 RH6 0HJ 
			 38 688 3.5 CT9 4LB 
			 39 681 11 PO35 5SZ 
			 40 650 3.5 OX26 2GN 
			 41 650 3.5 PO20 7HY 
			 42 643 11 PO6 1RU 
			 43 638 11 TN11 9PE 
			 44 633 3.5 TN26 2PZ 
			 45 633 3.5 BN15 8ES 
			 46 633 3.5 BN15 8ES 
			 47 633 3.5 BN15 8ES 
			 48 633 3.5 BN15 8ES 
			 49 633 3.5 BN15 8ES 
			 50 633 3.5 BN15 8ES 
			 (1) The percentage change in rate bills will not be the same as the, percentage change in rateable value. The Government's £2 billion relief scheme will cap increases in 2010-11 rate bills as a result of revaluation at no more than 11 per cent. and just 3.5 per cent. for small hereditaments. (2) These three hereditaments had zero rateable value in the 2005 Rating Lists. 
		
	
	The table includes mainly one-off cases where there are specific factual reasons for changes in rateable value well outside of the norm. In some cases the publication of draft valuations has brought forward new information and valuations-either 2005, 2010 or both-have been amended accordingly. Otherwise reasons for change relate to the unique circumstances of individual valuations; examples include removal of temporary reductions in rateable value or changes in domestic elements.
	The five-yearly business rates revaluations make sure each business pays its fair contribution and no more by ensuring that the share of the national rates bill paid by any one business reflects changes over time in the value of its property relative to others. The 2010 revaluation will not raise a single extra penny for Government.
	Over a million properties will see their business rate liabilities come down as a result of revaluation. The Government have put in place a £2 billion relief scheme to limit the impact on the minority with bill increases, which in 2010-11 will ensure no business property sees its rates bill increase by more than 11 per cent. as a result of the revaluation, with maximum increases capped at just 3.5 per cent. for small properties. That is on top of the wider support available to help ease business pressures including discounted rate bills for small businesses and deferring tax payments.

Planning Obligations

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of affordable housing made available under section 106 agreements in 2008-09.

Ian Austin: Figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government show that in 2008-09, 55,770 new affordable homes were provided in England, of which 32,290 (58 per cent.), were either fully or partially funded using section 106 contributions.

Regional Development Agencies

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many contracts were awarded to social enterprises by each regional development agency (RDA) in each of the last five years; and what percentage of the RDAs budget this represented in each such year.

Rosie Winterton: When awarding contracts, the regional development agencies (RDAs) do not record whether or not a business is a social enterprise. To filter the information to obtain the 'type' of organisation would require the RDAs to examine every agreement and the awardee individually (for each of the last five years) in order to ascertain whether or not they fall under the category of 'social enterprise'. Undertaking such an activity would incur disproportionate cost.

Sandwell

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to the borough of Sandwell, the effects on that borough of changes to the policies of his Department and its predecessors since 1997.

Barbara Follett: The Neighbourhood Statistics Service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at:
	http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/
	Communities and Local Government statistical publications can be found at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/researchandstatistics/statistics/
	This includes time series data across the Department's remit at various geographic levels.
	Details of research projects commissioned by Communities and Local Government and its predecessors are available from our Research Database (RD) at:
	http://www.rmd.communities.gov.uk/
	This includes evaluations of key policies.
	Over the last year, Communities and Local Government has:
	Played a critical role responding to the recession ensuring people, business and communities receive the practical help they need, including: helping people avoid repossession; Real Help Now; supporting the construction industry, critical regeneration projects, jobs through Future Jobs Fund; and businesses with the business rates deferral scheme.
	Set in place a platform for greater local devolution for more effective decision making through local area agreements (LAAs)-including slashing central performance standards from over 1,200 to fewer than 200.
	Continued building on this through Total Place pilots, leading innovation across public services-cutting out waste, overlap and duplication, meaning more and better quality services at less cost to the taxpayer.
	Established the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) set out in the Planning Act 2008-which will make the major Infrastructure Planning decisions for the country, delivering a faster, fairer and more transparent planning regime.
	Announced the £1.5 billion Housing Pledge to deliver an additional 20,000 units of affordable housing, creating 45,000 jobs in the construction industry over this year and next, including 1,300 new apprenticeship schemes.
	During the period since 1997, the Department's achievements include:
	Working with local housing authorities to reduce the number of people accepted as owed a main homelessness duty by 71 per cent. since the peak in 2003-the lowest level since the late seventies-through greater emphasis on the prevention of homelessness.
	Launching the Local Government White Paper 'Strong and Prosperous Communities' which set out a new stage of public sector reform, significantly strengthening leadership and devolving power to local government as well as providing a major expansion of opportunities for local people to influence local decision-making and improve their lives.
	Helping reduce accidental fire-related deaths-the lowest level since 1959.
	Reducing by 1.2 million the number of non decent social homes.
	Investing through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund £1.87 billion for England's 88 most deprived local authorities-leading to real positive change.

Sheltered Housing and Care Homes

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the number of people resident in  (a) sheltered accommodation and  (b) care homes in each year since 1997.

Ian Austin: Estimates of the number of people living in sheltered accommodation in England for each year from 1997-98 to 2007-08 are provided in Table 1. These estimates are based on data from the Survey of English Housing.
	
		
			  Table 1: Individuals in sheltered accommodation, England 
			   Number 
			 1997-98 630,000 
			 1998-99 590,000 
			 1999-2000 650,000 
			 2000-01 560,000 
			 2001-02 570,000 
			 2002-03 500,000 
			 2003-04 530,000 
			 2004-05 520,000 
			 2005-06 610,000 
			 2006-07 570,000 
			 2007-08 610,000 
			  Source: Survey of English Housing. 
		
	
	Communities and Local Government does not collect data on the number of people in care homes. Data on the number of adults (aged 18 and over) in local authority funded residential and nursing care are collected and published by the NHS Information Centre for health and social care.
	Data on the number of self-funded residents or residents supported by means other than support by Councils with Adult Social Services Responsibilities (CASSRs) are not collected centrally.
	Table 2 shows the numbers of adults aged 18 and over in local authority funded residential and nursing care as at 31 March for the years 1997 to 2009. The data for 2009 are provisional; final data are expected to be published in spring 2010.
	
		
			  Table 2: The total( 1)  number of clients aged 18 and over in receipt of local authority funded residential or nursing care as at 31 March 
			   
			  Year (at 31 March)  Total of all supported residents, England 
			 1997 242,100 
			 1998 255,500 
			 1999 260,700 
			 2000 265,400 
			 2001 261,800 
			 2002 264,800 
			 2003(2) 284,100 
			 2004(2, 3) 278,000 
			 2005(2, 3) 266,200 
			 2006(2, 3) 259,200 
			 2007(2, 3) 250,200 
			 2008(2, 3) 239,100 
			 2009(2, 3, 4) 233,900 
			 (1 )This includes social care funded clients in voluntary and private registered residential, general and mental health nursing homes, unstaffed homes and adult placements. (2 )Includes clients formerly in receipt of preserved rights. (3) Includes Boyd loophole residents. (4) Data for 2009 are provisional and sourced from the Adult Social Care-Combined Activity Return (ASC-CAR).  Sources: 1. Supported Residents (SR)1 Table S1. 2. ASC-CAR Table S1.

Smoke Alarms

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many dicon smoke detectors have been purchased through Firebuy; what assessment his Department has made of the performance of dicon smoke detectors; and if he will make a statement.

Shahid Malik: Up to December 2009 25,000 Dicon smoke alarms had been purchased from Firebuy's current framework contract and a further 853,000 through a previous contract. The tender evaluation process for the current contract, which was undertaken by Firebuy and representatives of the fire and rescue service, assessed product quality and performance against a number of criteria including independent certification to the relevant British and European standards for domestic smoke alarms. These standards include test methods and performance criteria.

Unitary Councils

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what powers he has to designate previously parished and unparished areas as mixed Charter Trustee areas consequent on the creation of a unitary authority; and if he will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The Secretary of State may, by order under section 7 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, establish Charter Trustees for those local authority areas that are to be abolished, and where no suitable local government body such as a parish council exists, in order to preserve historic property, privileges rights and traditions presently enjoyed by local residents in those areas.
	In some places, although parishes exist in the area of the outgoing council, there is no obvious parish candidate to preserve the traditions since those parishes are not closely related to the (unparished) city centre. In such cases, Charter Trustees have been established for the whole of the previous city council area. However, once a parish is created for the core city area, the arrangements protected by Charter Trustees would automatically transfer to that body and the Charter Trustees would be disbanded under the Local Government (Parishes and Parish Councils) (England) Regulations 2008.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Computer Software

Stephen Pound: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what consideration the House of Commons Commission has given to the installation of Windows 7 on computers on the House of Commons part of the Parliamentary estate; and for what reason Windows Vista is being installed on such computers.

Nick Harvey: The support service for Windows 2000 expires in June 2010. Windows 7 was launched by Microsoft on 23 October 2009 and is now being tested by PICT. If the tests prove successful and it can be financially justified Windows 7 will be used when new equipment is issued to Members. Given the timescales for the withdrawal of Windows 2000 support and the relatively recent availability of Windows 7 the move to Windows Vista for administrative staff was considered the best option given the circumstances.

HEALTH

Asthma: Drugs

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether an audit has been carried out on the effects on general practitioner prescribing patterns of the March 2008 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's guidance on inhaled corticosteroids.

Ann Keen: The Department has not conducted such an audit.

Autism

David Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish an adult autism strategy under section 1 of the Autism Act 2009.

Phil Hope: The legislation mandates a timeframe for the publication of the strategy by 1 April 2010.
	However, we will be publishing the strategy shortly, in advance of this date.

Bridlington Hospital: Closed Circuit Television

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the closed circuit television equipment at Bridlington Hospital to be fully operational.

Ann Keen: The provision and management of local health services is a matter for the national health service locally. It is the responsibility of the Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust to protect and maintain the facilities on its hospital sites. This includes the provision of closed circuit television equipment.

Bridlington Hospital: Mental Health Services

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mental health services will be available at Bridlington Hospital from November 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: It is the responsibility of the national health service locally to plan, develop and improve health services according to the healthcare needs of their local populations. This information can be obtained directly from the Humber NHS Foundation Trust.

Cancer

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the causes are of cancer of the  (a) mouth,  (b) oesophagus and  (c) larynx; and what proportion of cases of each was attributable to each such factor in the last 12 months.

Ann Keen: Research, which is helpfully summarised on the website of Cancer Research UK, shows that the main causes of oral cancer are tobacco usage and excess consumption of alcohol with their combined usage having a synergistic effect. These factors together account for about 75 per cent. of the 5,300 cases of oral cancer occurring annually in the United Kingdom. There is also evidence of an association with the human papillomavirus and low intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Tobacco usage and alcohol consumption are also associated with cancer of the oesophagus and larynx, together with diet and family history, but information is not available on which to base estimates of their relative significance.

Departmental Accountancy

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any written instructions have been provided to his Department's Accounting Officer in accordance with paragraph 5.5 of the Ministerial Code since May 1997.

Phil Hope: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Exchequer Secretary (Sarah McCarthy-Fry) on 8 February 2010,  Official Report, column 760W.

Departmental Manpower

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many performance reviews were undertaken in respect of staff of  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies in each of the last five years; in how many cases performance was rated as unsatisfactory or below; how many staff left as a direct result of such a rating; and what percentage of full-time equivalent staff this represented.

Phil Hope: The Department operates a performance management system which rates staff on performance and behaviour scales and allocates each member of staff to one of three performance related pay (PRP) markings: 'Excellent', 'Good' and 'Unsatisfactory'. All staff marked as unsatisfactory are subject to poor performance procedures. It is not possible to determine how many staff left employment by the Department as a direct result of an unsatisfactory rating as this information is not held centrally. The following table sets out the requested information.
	
		
			   Total staff year average  Unsatisfactory PRP marks  Percentage of staff marked unsatisfactory 
			 2006-07 2,250 32 1.42 
			 2007-08 2,178 8 0.37 
			 2008-09 2,222 9 0.41 
		
	
	Details of the previous two years are not held centrally and to retrieve that information would incur disproportionate costs.
	The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) operates the same PRP rating system as the core Department.
	In the MHRA no staff have been dismissed on grounds of unsatisfactory performance. Some staff have resigned during the performance management process but it the cause of such resignations are not recorded. The information for the MHRA is as follows.
	
		
			   2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 Number 636 n/a 789 871 866 
			 Unsatisfactory 16 n/a 17 6 8 
			   
			 Percentage unsatisfactory 2.52 n/a 2.15 0.69 0.92 
			 n/a = This information is not available. 
		
	
	The records for the NHS Procurement and Supply Agency (PASA) are only available for 2007-08, when fewer than five members of staff received an unsatisfactory rating and left as a result of the rating. There were 257 (full-time equivalent) members of staff during 2007-08 and the staff leaving represents less than 2 per cent. of total.

Departmental Manpower

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the proportion of staff of  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies managed out in the last five years who remain working in the public sector.

Phil Hope: The Department and its agencies do not hold records on the employment of former staff after they leave the Department.

Departmental Recruitment

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many job vacancies in his Department and its agencies were filled through external recruitment agencies in the latest year for which figures are available.

Phil Hope: The Department currently has in place recruitment controls for all grades and external recruitment is authorised in only the most exceptional circumstances.
	As part of the work currently being undertaken, on Next Generation HR, a single 'e-recruitment' system is being developed that will enable Departments to manage recruitment and lower the use and cost of external recruitment agents.
	All external vacancies in the core Department are now also advertised through Job Centre Plus.
	During 2008-09 the Department used recruitment agents to handle the administration for their external recruitment campaigns. 73 posts were filled through external recruitment in the core Department. The NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency filled 10 vacancies through external recruitment.
	For the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency 16 job vacancies were filled using external agencies.

Departmental Recruitment

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department and its agencies spent on external recruitment consultants in the latest year for which figures are available.

Phil Hope: The Department currently has in place recruitment controls for all grades and external recruitment is authorised in only the most exceptional circumstances.
	As part of the work currently being undertaken, on Next Generation HR, a single 'e-recruitment' system is being developed that will enable Departments to manage recruitment and lower the use and cost of external recruitment agents.
	All external vacancies in the core Department are now also advertised through Job Centre Plus.
	The core Department spent a total of £464,581 on external recruitment for the 2008-09 financial year.
	In the same period the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency spent £88,108.00 on external recruitment and the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency spent £66,614.

Hemsworth

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information related as directly as possible to Hemsworth constituency, the effects on Hemsworth of his Department's policies and actions since 2000.

Ann Keen: The Government have put in place a programme of national health service investment and reform since 1997 to improve service delivery in all parts of the United Kingdom. 93 per cent. of people nationally now rate the NHS as good or excellent. The NHS Constitution contains 25 rights and 14 pledges for patients and the public including new rights to be treated within 18 weeks, or be seen by a cancer specialist within two weeks and an NHS health check every five years for those aged 40-74 years.
	There is significant evidence that these policies have yielded considerable benefits for the Hemsworth constituency. For example:
	Figures for November 2009 show that in Wakefield District Primary Care Trust (PCT):
	95 per cent, of patients whose treatment involved admission to hospital started their treatment within 18 weeks.
	98 per cent. of patients whose treatment did not involve admission to hospital started their treatment within 18 weeks.
	In September 2009, at Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, 99.2 per cent. of patients spent less than four hours in accident and emergency from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge.
	Between September 2002 and September 2008, the number of consultants at Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has increased from 202 to 248. Between September 2002 and September 2008, the number of doctors in training has increased from 261 to 379.
	Between September 2001 and September 2008, the number of general practitioners (GPs) per 100,000 within Wakefield District PCT has increased from 62.8 to 73.1.
	91.5 per cent. of urgent GP referrals to Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust with suspected cancer are seen by a specialist within two weeks of the referral.
	Wakefield District PCT opened its GP-led health centre, the King Street Health Centre, in June 2009. Wakefield District residents and visitors will be able to see a GP or nurse as a walk-in patient between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year.
	There is one private finance initiative (PFI) scheme in the area that serves this constituency: work is under way on the major £353 million PR development to replace Pinderfields General Hospital and refurbish Pontefract General Infirmary. The first services in the new Pontefract Hospital opened in January 2010. Overall completion of the two hospitals is expected in January 2011.
	Although statistical information is not available at a local level, Hemsworth will have also benefited from national policies in other areas. For example:
	Since 1997, gross current expenditure on personal social services has increased by around 70 per cent. in real terms, with around 105,000 households now receiving intensive home care and 3,076 new extra care housing units-exceeding the original target of 1,500 new extra care units.
	Other strategies currently being implemented are:
	Subject to parliamentary approval, the Personal Care at Home Bill will guarantee free personal care for 280,000 people with the highest needs and help around 130,000 people who need home care for the first time to regain their independence.
	Shaping the Future of Care Together Green Paper, published in July 2009, sets out a vision of a National Care Service for all adults in England that is fair, simple and affordable. The Department has consulted widely on this reform and is currently analysing the responses, which will feed into a White Paper later this year.
	The National Carer's Strategy - Carers at the heart of 21st century families and communities was launched in 2008.
	The first National Dementia Strategy was published in February 2009.
	Valuing People Now-a three year strategy for people with learning disabilities-was published in January 2009.
	New Horizons: A Shared Vision for Mental Health was launched in December 2009 to maintain improvements in mental health services, combined with a new cross-Government approach to promoting public mental health.
	Since 1998, there are now 2.4 million fewer smokers in England as a result of the Government's comprehensive tobacco control strategy, which has a measurable impact on reducing smoking prevalence.
	Child obesity levels are reducing due to the efforts of families across England, supported by the Government's obesity strategy. In 2008, 13.9 per cent, of children (aged two to 10) in England were classified as obese, compared with 17.3 per cent. in 2005.
	Overall, life expectancy at birth for men has increased from 74.5 years (1995-1997 data) to 77.7 years (2006-08 data) while for women, life expectancy at birth has increased from 79.6 years (1995-97 data) to 81.9 years (2006-08 data).

Hospital Beds

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average daily bed occupancy level was in  (a) low,  (b) medium and  (c) high secure units by (i) the NHS and (ii) independent sector providers in each of the last five years.

Phil Hope: This information is not available in the requested format. Information is collected centrally on secure unit bed occupancy levels, but this does not identify security levels. Data on average daily bed occupancy levels across the entire mental health secure estate in the national health service in England, for the five most recent years for which data are available, is shown in the following table.
	Snapshot data are collected for high secure units only, and were last collected on 30 September 2009, when 879 beds were available, with an overall occupancy rate of 89.5 per cent. The data included 48 designated learning disability beds. This exercise was not commissioned for low and medium secure services.
	Data are not collected centrally on independent sector secure unit bed occupancy.
	
		
			  Average daily number of beds available and average daily bed occupancy levels in mental health secure units in the national health service in England 2003-04 to 2007-08: all ages; low, medium and high secure units combined 
			   Mental health 
			   Secure unit average daily beds available  Secure unit average daily bed occupancy level (percentage) 
			 2003-04 2,569 92.6 
			 2004-05 2,696 91.7 
			 2005-06 2,807 90.7 
			 2006-07 2,993 90.9 
			 2007-08 3,159 91.3 
			  Source: Department of Health Form KH03

Liver Diseases

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the causes are of  (a) chronic liver disease and  (b) cirrhosis; and what proportion of cases of each were caused by each such factor in the last 12 months.

Ann Keen: The known causes of liver disease are alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, and obesity. A small number of cases of liver disease are genetic (autoimmune hepatitis, haemochromatosis). The Department of does not collect information about the proportion of liver disease by cause.

Locums

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department assessed the level of use of external locums to fill gaps in the medical rotas at acute hospitals  (a) before and  (b) after the implementation of the European Working Time Directive.

Ann Keen: The data are not collected centrally.

Mental Health Services: Hospital Wards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many bed days on adult psychiatric wards were recorded for patients aged under 16 years in each quarter of the last three years;
	(2)  how many bed days on adult psychiatric wards were recorded for patients aged 16 and 17 years in each quarter of the last three years.

Phil Hope: The table gives figures for the number of bed days for children on Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) wards and for children aged under 16 and 16-17 on adult mental health wards.
	
		
			Bed days 
			   Quarter  Under 18s on CAMHS ward  Under 16s on adult ward  16/17s on adult ward 
			 2006-07 1 34,609 75 4,697 
			  2 28,171 25 4,780 
			  3 34,430 38 4,679 
			  4 39,409 53 4,511 
			  
			 2007-08 1 38,359 81 3,954 
			  2 37,935 112 3,893 
			  3 41,184 49 4,255 
			  4 40,072 133 4,926 
			  
			 2008-09 1 37,003 16 4,019 
			  2 36,973 4 3,713 
			  3 39,534 0 2,854 
			  4 42,065 3 3,101 
			  
			 2009-10 1 37,041 23 2,415 
			  2 43,389 9 1,624 
			  Note For 2008-09 onwards it is not mandatory for national health Service foundation trusts to submit returns but many do so on a voluntary basis. 
		
	
	The Government remain committed to reducing the number of bed days for under 16s on adult psychiatric wards to zero. The number of bed days for 16 and 17-year-olds on adult psychiatric wards has fallen in preparation for the commencement of section 31(3) (accommodation, etc) of the Mental Health Act 2007 in England on 1 April 2010.
	The Mental Health Act 2007 (Commencement No. 11) Order 2010 (SI 2010 No. 143), which commences section 31(3) in England and Wales on 1 April 2010, was signed on 16 January 2010. This provision, which extends to England and Wales, places a duty on hospital managers to ensure that patients aged under 18 are treated in an environment in hospital which is suitable having regard to their age (subject to their needs).
	The hospital manager has to consult a person who appears to them to have knowledge or experience of cases involving patients who have not attained the age of 18. This provision applies to voluntary (informal) patients as well as formal (detained under mental health legislation) patients.
	It is important to note that section 31(3) is designed to end the inappropriate placement of under 18s on adult psychiatric wards but does not bar under 18s from being treated on such wards. There can be circumstances where an adult psychiatric ward is an appropriate place for an under 18 to be treated. Examples include overriding emergency and atypical where the adult psychiatric ward is the most appropriate placement for clinical or social reasons.
	A number of best practice products have been produced to support local areas prepare and these are at:
	www.nmhdu.org.uk/tags/?tag=children

Mental Health: Alcoholic Drinks

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many new diagnoses of  (a) depression and  (b) dementia there were in the last year for which figures are available; and in how many such cases the consumption of alcohol was a direct causal factor.

Phil Hope: Data are not collected centrally on the number of newly diagnosed cases of depression or dementia in any given year, nor are data collected centrally on the proportion of alcohol-related cases of depression or dementia.

Musgrove Park Hospital Taunton

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how long on average a person attending the Accident and Emergency Department at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, waited to be seen by a member of the medical staff in 2009.

Mike O'Brien: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the following table.
	
		
			  Total time spent at accident and emergency (AE) departments from arrival to discharge, Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust: Type 1 departments (consultant-led, major departments) 
			   Quarter  0-1 hours  1-2 hours  2-3 hours  3-4 hours  4 hours  Total attendances 
			 2008-09 4 2,965 3,747 2,365 2,275 217 11,569 
			 2009-10 1 3,089 4,319 2,897 2,339 160 12,804 
			 2009-10 2 3,363 4,247 3,006 2,213 135 12,964 
		
	
	Information on the average length of stay by hour, 2008-09 is in Table 1.
	Information on the number of AE attendances recorded in Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and quarterly monitoring of accident and emergency (QMAE), 2008-09 is in Table 2.
	 Notes:
	1. Information on waiting times in AE facilities is collected by the Department for its QMAE dataset. Trusts do not submit information on average waiting times, but they do submit information on time spent from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge in hourly time bands.
	2. AE Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data are not based on the same data definitions as those used for the quarterly QMAE central return. The AE HES data are at patient level and are sourced from the AE commissioning data set while the QMAE data is based on a Department of Health aggregate data collection and is published by the Department.
	3. The arrival and departure times differ between AE HES and QMAE. The AE HES data may include time spent within AE after the clinical episode has been concluded but before the patient has obtained family or private transport from the AE department. QMAE remains the official source of information on AE attendances and performance on the 4-hour standard. The NHS Plan sets out that no one should wait more than four hours in AE from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge. To allow for exceptional circumstances, the operational standard of 98.0 per cent. has been adopted.
	 Source:
	Department of Health-QMAE dataset
	
		
			  Table 1: Average length of stay by hour of arrival, 2008-09 
			   Average stay in minutes (duration to departure) 
			  Hour of arrival  Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust  All providers in AE HES data for 2008-09 
			 00:00 152.59 126.36 
			 01:00 149.58 176.40 
			 02:00 149.99 178.31 
			 03:00 145.38 179.63 
			 04:00 153.19 184.30 
			 05:00 151.50 187.96 
			 06:00 145.91 182.59 
			 07:00 118.20 146.83 
			 08:00 103.08 118.57 
			 09:00 100.26 113.58 
			 10:00 107.84 124.83 
			 11:00 114.60 133.67 
			 12:00 121.19 140.17 
			 13:00 112.15 129.51 
			 14:00 108.08 125.39 
			 15:00 104.47 124.60 
			 16:00 102.24 125.55 
			 17:00 106.27 129.26 
			 18:00 107.68 131.24 
			 19:00 108.19 133.97 
			 20:00 113.74 141.02 
			 21:00 113.86 145.53 
			 22:00 118.40 150.42 
			 23:00 133.40 154.67 
			  Source: HES 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Number of AE attendances recorded in HES and QMAE by each provider, 2008-09 
			   England  Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation 
			  HES   
			 Total attendances 13,266,413 48,245 
			 Number of patients who spent less than four hours in AE(1) 12,352,871 46,719 
			 Percentage of patients who spent less than four hours in AE 93.1 96.8 
			
			  QMAE   
			 Total attendances 19,588,017 48,313 
			 Number of patients who spent less than four hours in AE(1) 19,208,874 47,512 
			 Percentage of patients who spent less than four hours in AE 98.1 98.3 
			 (1) Type 1 departments (consultant-led, major departments).  Source: HES

Musgrove Park Hospital Taunton

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the most recent patient satisfaction ratings were for the Pain Management Department at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

Mike O'Brien: The information requested is a matter for Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. We have written to Rosalinde Wyke, Chair of Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, informing her of the hon. Member's inquiry. She will reply shortly and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Animal Experiments: Primates

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the longest recorded journey time was for non-human primates imported from  (a) China,  (b) Mauritius,  (c) Indonesia,  (d) the Philippines,  (e) Vietnam and  (f) Israel into the UK for research purposes in (i) 2008 and (ii) 2009.

Meg Hillier: In accordance with measures introduced in 1996, the Home Office requires an estimated total journey time to be provided prior to each acquisition of non-human primates and, after each acquisition, confirmation is required that the importation was in accordance with what had been authorised. There is no obligation for licence holders to provide a detailed journey record or a precise total journey time to the Home Office.
	According to our records, the longest journey times, estimated and confirmed, for non-human primates imported into the United Kingdom for research purposes from each of the countries listed in 2008 and 2009 were as set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Hours 
			   2008  2009 
			 China (1)- 48 
			 Mauritius 41 41.75 
			 Indonesia (1)- (1)- 
			 Philippines (1)- (1)- 
			 Vietnam 40 36.5 
			 Israel 22.5 (1)- 
			 (1) No imports.

Animal Experiments: Primates

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many primates were imported into the UK for the purposes of scientific research in  (a) 2008 and  (b) 2009; and from which countries.

Meg Hillier: Details of non-human primates imported into the UK for the purposes of scientific research in  (a) 2008 and  (b) 2009 are as set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Import of non-human primates for the purpose of scientific research 
			   Total imported 
			  Country  2008  2009 
			 China 0 68 
			 France (1)85 0 
			 Israel 50 0 
			 Mauritius 1,537 1,215 
			 Netherlands 160 151 
			 Vietnam 976 631 
			 (1 )The non-human primates imported from France were a one-off import from a centre regulated by the French Government which does not routinely supply animals to the UK.

Antisocial Behaviour

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what representations he has received on the compatibility with the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 of the use of ultrasonic Mosquito devices in public places; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  whether he has made an estimate of the number of local authorities which use ultrasonic Mosquito devices; what recent representations he has received on that matter; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Campbell: holding answer 8 February 2010
	The Home Office has received two representations on the use of Mosquito devices and human rights implications.
	Our position on antisocial behaviour is that it should be tackled, not tolerated. We encourage local agencies to consider the full range of innovations and schemes and practices intended to reduce crime, the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour. It is for local agencies to decide on the most appropriate interventions based on their knowledge of what works best locally. The Home Office does not promote or recommend any particular commercial product or venture above this.
	Information on the use of mosquito dispersal devices is not collected centrally by the Home Office.

Asylum

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the UK Border Agency to decide on the application for asylum in respect of Mr. Jean Paul Manegabe (HO Ref: MBM348/EW/MANEGABE).

Alan Johnson: I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 10 June 2009.

Asylum

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  when he expects the UK Border Agency to decide on the application for asylum in respect of Mr. Bruno Medjiako Tcheuleu (HO Ref: T1053805);
	(2)  when he expects the UK Border Agency to decide on the application for asylum in respect of Mr. Abdi Mohamed Nur (HO Ref: Y1079438);
	(3)  when he expects the UK Border Agency to decide on the application for asylum in respect of Mr Bavell Makdir Karim (HO Ref: K1061849).

Alan Johnson: I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 12 November 2009.

Control Orders

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make an assessment of whether the restrictions on the law reporting of control order judgements enable counsel and courts to follow precedent effectively; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: holding answer 9 February 2010
	Where sensitive intelligence material is used in control order proceedings, a closed judgment will normally be handed down by the court. These judgments cannot be made publicly available for public interest reasons. An accompanying open judgment will usually contain the court's findings on legal arguments of principle and is publicly available.
	There are working practices which allow for judges and the special advocates appointed to act in the interests of the control person to access closed judgments in other cases where appropriate.

Control Orders

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) individuals have been subject to control orders and  (b) control orders are in force with a requirement for the controllee to relocate their home; how many such conditions were later rescinded; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: holding answer 9 February 2010
	Of the 45 individuals ever subject to control orders (including the 12 individuals referred to below), 17 individuals have been required to relocate and three relocations were subsequently overturned by the court.
	Of the 12 individuals subject to control orders as of 10 December 2009 (the last date covered by the most recent quarterly written ministerial statement on control orders), eight have been required to, and have, relocated, two relocations were subsequently overturned by the court.

Control Orders

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in respect of the two control orders that were rescinded so as not to disclose the cases on which they were based, for how long each of the controllees was subject to the order before it was rescinded, whether the controllees are  (a) UK or  (b) foreign nationals and whether the controllees are subject to any other form of restriction; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: holding answer 9 February 2010
	UKHL 28).
	EWHC 42 (Admin)) sets out the timescales for each control order. Both controlees were subject to more than one control order and, where the control order lasted for longer than 12 months, renewals of the control order were made in accordance with the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005.
	As set out in the House of Lords judgment in AF  Others one controlee is an Iraqi national and the other has dual British and Libyan nationality.
	The individuals are no longer subject to a control order. We cannot comment on whether they are subject to any other form of restriction.

Control Orders

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with those responsible for law reporting on the implications of the restrictions on reporting of control order judgments and internment orders; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: holding answer 9 February 2010
	The Secretary of State has not had any discussions on this matter with regard to control orders and is not aware of any taking place. There is no legislation providing for internment orders.
	Open control order judgments are reported in the public domain in the same way as any other court judgments, subject to any specific reporting restrictions imposed by the presiding judge. Closed judgments are not made available publicly because they contain sensitive intelligence material which it would not be in the public interest to disclose.
	There are working practices which allow for judges and the special advocates appointed to represent the interests of a controlled person to access closed judgments in other cases where appropriate.

Crime

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) robberies,  (b) violent incidents and  (c) drug offences were recorded as taking place on university campuses in England and Wales in each of the last five years.

Alan Johnson: The information requested cannot be provided as specifics of offence location are not routinely reported to the Home Office.

Crime

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) offences and  (b) violent offences were committed between 3 am and 6 am in each year since 1997.

Alan Campbell: The information requested cannot be provided as data on the time offences were committed are not routinely reported to the Home Office.
	However, there is a Home Office online report on crime trends since the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003 that was based on a special data collection between October 2004 and November 2006. This indicates that there is some increase in the more serious violent crimes between the hours of 3 am and 6 am but that these accounted for only a very small proportion of a declining total.
	Detailed information can be found at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/rdsolr1607.pdf

Crime Prevention: Expenditure

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding his Department allocated to  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools in respect of educating children on the dangers of (i) knife crime and (ii) gang involvement in the last 12 months.

Alan Johnson: The Home Office does not allocate funding direct to primary or secondary schools though our Tackling Knives Action programme (TKAP) partners (police forces and third sector organisations) have undertaken a range of work in school settings as part of the TKAP programme.

Crime Prevention: Wales

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to reduce crime rates in Wales.

Alan Campbell: Total recorded crime in Wales fell by 3 per cent. in 2008-09 compared with 2007-08. Violence against the person fell by 4 per cent. and domestic burglary by 7 per cent. According to quarterly statistics released in January 2010, total recorded crime in Wales fell by 3 per cent., violence against the person by 2 per cent. and domestic burglary by 6 per cent. in the 12 months to September 2009 as compared to September 2008.
	These falls have been supported by investment in preventive measures to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
	Wales received £317,748 in 2009-10 as part of the Safer Homes programme to provide target hardening to 3,500 vulnerable properties identified through local intelligence. Wales received a further £384,208 investment in the same period through the Small Retailers Capital Fund to help enhance the security of vulnerable local businesses.
	A strong focus on alcohol-related violent crime has revolved around the introduction of a formal and structured programme of complementary projects such as Taxi Marshalling. HOCTiW is leading the 'Health and Crime Data Sharing Initiative' which aims to improve the sharing of A and E data with all Community Safety Partnerships across Wales through the roll out of the Cardiff model. They have also initiated a data exchange programme between the Welsh Ambulance Service and all Community Safety Partnerships in Wales. These initiatives will contribute to providing a better understanding of violence and more effective targeting of resources to tackle violent crime.
	Knife crime offences are low within Wales compared to other parts of the UK. Therefore energy is being concentrated on preventative work with young people. South Wales police, funded by the Home Office, have engaged young people to produce an interactive, educational DVD 'At Life Point', targeted at 11 to 18-year-olds, aimed at increasing awareness of the effects and consequences of carrying knives.
	Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) are embedded throughout Wales which enables key statutory and voluntary organisations to work together to increase the safety, health and well-being of victims, adults and their children and reduce repeat victimisations.
	In order to reduce drug misuse the Home Office and Welsh Assembly Government are working together to deliver the Tough Choices Project, which went live on 1 April 2009. By facilitating offenders engagement and retention in treatment, these measures will reduce the amount of crime that is committed by offenders in order to fund their drug misuse. British Crime Survey results show that the proportion of people who perceive there to be a high level of drug use or drug dealing in Wales has fallen in the 12 months to Sept ember 2009 compared with the 12 months to September 2008.
	The Home Office Crime Team in Wales (HOCTiW) has driven and facilitated improvements in priority and prolific offenders (PPO) schemes across Wales by a variety of methods including PPO walkthroughs, securing capital funding to establish co-location of key agencies and IT case management systems.
	South Wales has adopted the i-NSI approach to increase public confidence. This relates to an innovative community engagement methodology designed to deliver a richer community intelligence picture of neighbourhoods and their problems. Based upon a software package written specifically for the purpose, the approach allows front-line staff to diagnose the signal crimes and signal disorders that are driving insecurity at the local level. The recently published British Crime Survey figures show that the proportion of people in South Wales who agree that the police and local councils are dealing with the ASB and crime issues that matter in their area is statistically significantly higher in the 12 months to Sept ember 2009 compared to the 12 months to September 2008.

Knives: Crime

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mobile knife scanners have been issued to police forces in England and Wales.

Alan Johnson: As part of the Tackling Violence Action plan, launched in February 2008, and the Tackling Knives Action programme, launched in June 2008, the Home Office provided 1,150 extra search arches and wands to police forces in England and Wales to take knives off the streets and reassure the public. This is in addition to search equipment sourced directly by forces. As a result of on-going activity, police forces tell us that there are encouraging signs that knife carrying is reducing among young people.

M4: Bus Lanes

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department takes to enforce restriction on the use of the M4 bus lane.

Alan Campbell: Enforcement of legal restrictions on us of the M4 bus lane is an operational matter for the police. Metropolitan police traffic officers are regularly deployed on that section of the M4 which includes the bus lane. They can deal with its illegal use by giving an oral or written warning, the issue of a £60 fixed penalty notice or by proceeding to prosecution. Any police officer who witnesses an offence taking place there will take whatever action is appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, I understand that the Metropolitan police are working in partnership with the Highways Agency and Transport for London to devise medium and long-term solutions in relation to the lane's use and safety.

National Identity Register

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the first annual report by the National Identity scheme Commissioner is expected to be published.

Meg Hillier: The Identity Commissioner has sent the Home Secretary a copy of his first annual report. The Home Secretary will lay the report before Parliament before the end of the month, after the practical arrangements for its publication have been made.

Passports

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) adults and  (b) children applied for passports in each of the last five years.

Meg Hillier: In each of the last five years, the following figures show the passport application intake for adult and children:
	
		
			   Adult  Child 
			 2005 4,559,018 1,980,273 
			 2006 4,608,362 1,840,470 
			 2007 4,340,668 1,672,091 
			 2008 3,818,363 1,601,291 
			 2009 3,611,607 1,592,623

Police National Computer

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many records have been  (a) added to and  (b) removed from the Police National Computer in each of the last five years.

David Hanson: The Police National Computer (PNC) is an operational tool and is not designed to produce the information requested. To obtain the information would incur a disproportionate cost.

Prostitution: Internet

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has made an estimate of the number of people who regularly use internet sites to solicit prostitutes; whether he has plans to seek to prevent the use of the internet for such purposes; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Campbell: holding answer 9 February 2010
	In September 2009, the Minister for Women and Equality wrote to the Governor and the Attorney General of California to outline the Government's concerns regarding a particular website believed to be hosted in California. We want see sites like it closed down and are exploring the options for what can be done and the merits in approaches taken in other jurisdictions.
	As part of the Violence Against Women Strategy, published in November 2009, the Government have also made a commitment to explore what action can be taken to challenge the advertising of prostitution.
	The Government have not made an estimate of the number of people who regularly use internet sites to solicit prostitutes.

Prostitution: Prosecutions

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been  (a) arrested and  (b) subsequently charged with offences relating to the soliciting of prostitutes in (i) Ribble Valley constituency, (ii) Lancashire and (iii) England and Wales in each of the last five years.

Alan Campbell: holding answer 9 February 2010
	The information requested on arrests is not collected centrally.
	The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences) only, broken down at a main offence group level, covering categories such as violence against the person and robbery. From these centrally reported data it is not possible to separately identify arrests for soliciting offences from arrests for sexual offences reported to the Home Office.
	There is no link from the data on arrests held by the Home Office to any subsequent outcome.

Victim Support Schemes

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was distributed from the Victims Fund in 2008-09; and which groups received money from the fund for the provision of services to victims of  (a) homicide and  (b) hate crime in 2008-09.

Alan Campbell: holding answer 8 February 2010
	For the financial year 2008-09, £1.5 million was distributed from the Victims Fund across all the services that it supports. The groups that received money from the fund for the provision of services to victims of homicide and hate crime are as listed:
	 (a) Homicide
	Child Bereavement Charity
	National Victims Association
	Support After Murder and Manslaughter Merseyside
	Victims Of Crime Trust
	Victim Support Bedfordshire
	 (b) Hate Crime
	Gender Identity Research and Education Society
	Greater Manchester Police-Bury Division
	Greenwich Action Committee Against Racist Attacks
	Hounslow Community Safety Partnership
	Kirklees Metropolitan Council
	North Herts People First
	Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council
	Victim Support Greater Manchester
	Victim Support Teesside
	Voice UK
	West Yorkshire Police

CABINET OFFICE

Advertising Advisory Committee

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office who the members are of the Advertising Advisory Committee; what procedures govern their  (a) appointment,  (b) length of appointment and  (c) remuneration; what the functions of the committee are; and to whom the committee provides advice.

Dawn Butler: The Advisory Committee on Advertising (ACA) was replaced by the Government Strategic Marketing Advisory Board (GSMAB) in January 2008. GSMAB has a wider remit than the ACA, not only holding the Central Office for Information (COI) to account but also all Government Departments.
	The current members of the Government Strategic Marketing Advisory Board are:
	John Mayhead (Chairman, private sector)
	Andrew Stott (Cabinet Office)
	Mark Lund (Central Office of Information)
	Sian Jarvis (Department of Health)
	Sue Garrard (Department for Work and Pensions)
	Tim Mack (National Savings and Investment)
	Yasmin Diamond (Home Office)
	Amanada Mackenzie (private sector)
	Elizabeth Fagan (private sector)
	Tim Evans (private sector)
	 (a) Members are appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the Permanent Secretary Government Communication.
	 (b) Appointments to GSMAB has been for an initial two year period.
	 (c) The independent Chair of GSMAB receives an annual fee of £5,000 (ex VAT), all other GSMAB members are unpaid.
	Under the Board's terms of reference the objectives of GSMAB are:
	To review planned Government marketing campaigns, with a particular focus on cross departmental campaigns and provide independent validation that strategic marketing across Government Departments, including the contribution of COI, is effective, transparent and efficient.
	Monitoring COI performance in the development and purchase of communication products and services to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of strategic marketing across government and ensure best value for the taxpayer.
	To serve as an independent body and formal mechanism for the exchange of best practice ideas between Government and private sector practitioners providing comment and recommendations to improve the effectiveness of marketing across government.
	The Chairman of the Government Strategic Marketing Advisory Board reports at least annually to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. The Board provides advice and recommendations to the Permanent Secretary, Government Communications.

Death: Feltham

Alan Keen: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the mortality rate from cancer was in Feltham and Heston constituency in  (a) 1997 and  (b) the latest period for which figures are available.

Angela Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2010:
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the cancer mortality rate was in Feltham and Heston in (a) 1997 and (b) the latest period for which figures are available. (316686)
	The table attached provides the age-standardised mortality rate, where cancer was the underlying cause of death, for Feltham and Heston parliamentary constituency in (a) 2001 (the earliest year available) and (b) 2007 (the latest year available).
	Mortality rates for parliamentary constituencies which do not share boundaries exactly with a local authority can only be calculated from 2001 onwards.
	
		
			  Table 1. Age-standardised mortality rate per 100,000 population,( 1, 2)  where cancer was the underlying cause of death,( 3)  Feltham and Heston parliamentary constituency( 4) , 2001 and 2007( 5) 
			  Rate per 100,000 population 
			   Rate  95 per cent. confidence interval 
			 2001 176 (150-202) 
			 2007 174 (149-200) 
			 (1) Age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 population, standardised to the European Standard Population. Age-standardised rates are used to allow comparison between populations which may contain different proportions of people of different ages. (2) Confidence intervals are a measure of the statistical precision of an estimate and show the range of uncertainty around the estimated figure. Calculations based on small numbers of events are often subject to random fluctuations. As a general rule, if the confidence interval around one figure overlaps with the interval around another, we cannot say with certainty that there is more than a chance difference between the two figures. (3) Cause of death for cancer was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes C00-C97. (4) Based on boundaries as of 2009. (5) Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year.

Death: Homelessness

Grant Shapps: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2010,  Official Report, column 405-6W, on death: homelessness, when she expects data for 2009 to be available.

Angela Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2010:
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking pursuant to the Answer of 4 February 2010, Official Report, column 405-6W, on death: homelessness, when she expects data for 2009 to be available. (316780)
	We expect data for 2009 to be available in early winter 2010. As a guide figures for 2008 were released on the 24 November 2009.

Departmental ICT

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much  (a) her Department,  (b) the Charity Commission and  (c) the Central Office of Information have spent on font licensing in the last three years.

Dawn Butler: The Cabinet Office has not spent any money on the licensing of fonts in the last three years.
	The Charity Commission has spent £184 + VAT per annum over the last three years.
	The Chief Executive of the Central Office of Information has written to you separately with their answer.
	 Letter from Mark Lund, dated 2 February 2010:
	asking how much has been spent on font licensing.
	In the last three years we have spent £2,839 on the purchase of fonts. All fonts are licensed and are held on a font management system. There were no fonts centrally purchased by IT unit.

Departmental Pay

Lee Scott: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much has been paid in bonuses to civil servants in her Department in each year since 2003.

Grant Shapps: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  how many  (a) year end and  (b) in-year bonuses were paid to officials in the Office of the Leader of the House in each of the last three years; and how much was paid in such bonuses in each year;
	(2)  how many  (a) year-end and  (b) in-year bonuses were paid to officials in her Department in each of the last three years; and how much was paid in such bonuses in each such year.

Angela Smith: An element of the Cabinet Office's overall pay award is allocated to non-consolidated variable pay related to performance. These payments are used to drive high performance and form part of the pay award for members of staff who demonstrate exceptional performance, for example by exceeding targets set or meeting challenging objectives.
	Non-consolidated variable pay awards are funded from within existing pay bill controls, and have to be re-earned each year against pre-determined targets and, as such, do not add to future pay bill costs.
	The following table details the number of non-consolidated variable pay awards made to officials in the Cabinet Office under senior civil service performance management and pay arrangements and non-senior civil service pay awards and how much was awarded for the last year of published accounts.
	
		
			   Number of awards  Total paid in non-consolidated awards (£) 
			 2007-08 745 1,745,118 
		
	
	For how many and how much was paid in non-consolidated awards relating to performance in the years 2006-07, 2005-06, 2004-05 and 2003-04, I refer the hon. Members to the answer given to the hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr. Hammond) on 6 June 2008,  Official Report, column 1185W, and the hon. Member for Upper Bann (David Simpson) on 2 July 2007,  Official Report, column 901W.
	There is also a small number of staff who received in-year bonuses over this period. The total cost is not held centrally and would be available only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Written Questions

David Simpson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what average time her Office took to answer questions for  (a) ordinary written answer and  (b) written answer on a named day in the last 12 months.

Dawn Butler: The information is not available in the form requested.
	236 named day questions were tabled to Cabinet Office between 1 January and 31 December 2009 of which 71 per cent. received substantive answers on the day due for answer. 1,500 ordinary written questions were tabled to Cabinet Office during this period of which 67 per cent. received substantive answers within five parliamentary sitting days.

Employment

James Clappison: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many and what proportion of  (a) UK nationals,  (b) UK-born people,  (c) foreign nationals,  (d) non-UK EU nationals,  (e) EU A8 nationals and  (f) non-EU nationals (i) aged over 16 years and (ii) of working age were in employment in the UK in each of the last 12 quarters for which figures are available; and what the percentage change in each such category was in each of the last 12 quarters.

Angela Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated 5 February 2010:
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many and what proportion of (a) UK nationals, (b) UK-born people, (c) foreign nationals, (d) non-UK EU nationals, (e) EU A8 nationals and (f) non-EU nationals (i) aged over 16 years and (ii) of working age were in employment in the UK in each of the last 12 quarters for which figures are available; and what the percentage change in each such category was in each of the last 12 quarters. 315707
	The information requested is shown in the attached table. The estimates are derived from the Labour Force Survey. As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	The figures in the table are derived from the LFS microdata which are weighted using the official population estimates published in autumn 2007. They are not entirely consistent with the figures published in the monthly Labour Market Statistical Bulletin, which are weighted using more up-to-date population estimates.
	
		
			  Employment levels and rates for people aged over 16 years in employment( 1, 2 ) by nationality and country of birth. Three months ending March, June, September and December, 2006 to 2009. United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted 
			  Thousand and percentage 
			   Aged over 16 years 
			   UK nationals  Rate  Annual % change in level  UK born  Rate  Annual % change in level  Foreign nationals  Rate  Annual % change in level 
			 2006 Q4 27,142 60 0 25,830 60 0 2,008 62 3 
			   
			 2007 Q1 26,953 60 0 25,622 60 -1 2,021 61 13 
			 2007 Q2 26,949 60 0 25,616 60 0 2,143 62 14 
			 2007 Q3 27,219 60 0 25,825 60 0 2,152 63 10 
			 2007 Q4 27,271 60 0 25,878 60 0 2,208 63 10 
			   
			 2008 Q1 27,141 60 1 25,755 60 1 2,290 64 13 
			 2008 Q2 27,167 60 1 25,759 60 1 2,304 63 8 
			 2008 Q3 27,203 60 0 25,799 60 0 2,323 64 8 
			 2008 Q4 27,050 59 -1 25,612 60 -1 2,385 64 8 
			   
			 2009 Q1 26,763 59 -1 25,308 59 -2 2,357 63 3 
			 2009 Q2 26,552 58 -2 25,130 58 -2 2,315 62 0 
			 2009 Q3(5) 26,762 58 *-2 25,350 59 *-2 2,277 63 *-2 
		
	
	
		
			  Thousand and percentage 
			   Aged over 16 years 
			   Non-UK EU nationals  Rate  Annual % change in level  EU A8 nationals( 4)  Rate  Annual % change in level  Non-EU nationals  Rate  Annual % change in level 
			 2006 Q4 856 66 10 345 80 16 1,152 60 -3 
			   
			 2007 Q1 922 67 25 370 80 53 1,098 57 4 
			 2007 Q2 989 68 35 431 81 71 1,154 58 1 
			 2007 Q3 991 69 28 430 82 44 1,161 59 -2 
			 2007 Q4 1,029 70 20 469 83 36 1,180 58 2 
			   
			 2008 Q1 1,087 70 18 500 82 35 1,203 59 10 
			 2008 Q2 1,085 70 10 499 83 16 1,219 58 6 
			 2008 Q3 1,070 70 8 504 83 17 1,253 59 8 
			 2008 Q4 1,077 69 5 470 80 0 1,308 60 11 
			   
			 2009 Q1 1,122 69 3 500 81 0 1,236 59 3 
			 2009 Q2 1,107 68 2 501 81 0 1,208 57 -1 
			 2009 Q3(5) 1,090 69 *2 484 82 **-4 1,187 58 *-5 
		
	
	
		
			  Employment levels and rates for people of working age( 3)  in employment( 1, 2 ) by nationality and country of birth. Three months ending March, June, September and December, 2006 to 2009. United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted 
			  Thousand and percentage 
			   Working age( 3) 
			   UK nationals  Rate  Annual % change in level  UK born  Rate  Annual % change in level  Foreign nationals  Rate  Annual % change in level 
			 2006 Q4 25,991 75 0 24,744 76 0 1,962 69 3 
			   
			 2007 Q1 25,794 75 -1 24,529 75 -1 1,978 67 12 
			 2007 Q2 25,784 75 -1 24,508 75 -1 2,103 68 15 
			 2007 Q3 26,023 75 0 24,694 76 -1 2,113 69 10 
			 2007 Q4 26,050 76 0 24,718 76 0 2,173 68 11 
			   
			 2008 Q1 25,870 75 0 24,547 75 0 2,254 69 14 
			 2008 Q2 25,882 75 0 24,532 75 0 2,266 69 8 
			 2008 Q3 25,928 75 0 24,580 76 0 2,279 69 8 
			 2008 Q4 25,749 75 -1 24,372 75 -1 2,342 69 8 
			   
			 2009 Q1 25,454 74 -2 24,067 74 -2 2,313 69 3 
			 2009 Q2 25,227 73 -3 23,881 73 -3 2,268 67 0 
			 2009 Q3(5) 25,416 73 *-2 24,082 74 *-2 2,227 68 *-2 
		
	
	
		
			  Thousand and percentage 
			   Working age( 3) 
			   Non-UK EU nationals  Rate  Annual % change in level  EU A8 nationals( 4)  Rate  Annual % change in level  Non-EU nationals  Rate  Annual % change in level 
			 2006 Q4 828 77 10 344 82 16 1,134 64 -2 
			   
			 2007 Q1 897 77 25 368 81 53 1,080 60 3 
			 2007 Q2 969 77 36 431 82 71 1,134 62 1 
			 2007 Q3 969 78 29 430 84 45 1,144 62 -1 
			 2007 Q4 1,010 79 22 469 84 36 1,163 61 3 
			   
			 2008 Q1 1,068 79 19 500 83 36 1,186 62 10 
			 2008 Q2 1,065 79 10 498 84 16 1,201 62 6 
			 2008 Q3 1,045 79 8 504 84 17 1,234 63 8 
			 2008 Q4 1,052 77 4 470 81 0 1,290 63 11 
			   
			 2009 Q1 1,097 78 3 500 83 0 1,215 62 2 
			 2009 Q2 1,078 77 1 500 82 0 1,190 60 -1 
			 2009 Q3(5) 1,060 77 *1 483 83 **-4 1,168 62 *-5 
			 (1) Includes self-employed and unpaid family workers. (2) Excludes those whose nationality was not known. (3) Men aged 16-64 and women aged 16-59. (4) EU A8 comprises Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. (5) Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates, as described below:  Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV-for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5 per cent. we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220.  Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness * 0 = CV5 Estimates are considered precise ** 5 = CV 10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 = CV 20 Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes  Note: The above estimates exclude people in most types of communal establishment (e.g. hotels, boarding houses, hostels mobile home sites etc.).  Source:  Labour Force Survey

Government Departments: Information Officers

Francis Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office with reference to the letter of 21 October 2008 from the Cabinet Office to the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications, how many communications staff were employed by each Government department in 1996; and what the total number of communications staff was, using comparative methodology.

Dawn Butler: The table shows the number of communications staff listed by central Whitehall departments in the December 1996 IPO Directory. These numbers have been compiled in the same way as the numbers relating to 1998 and 2008 given in the letter from the Cabinet Office to the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications of 21 October 2008.
	The COI White Book-and its predecessor the IPO Directory-lists contact details for some communications roles in Government Departments and agencies. They are only ever a snapshot in time and therefore cannot be used as a comprehensive guide to communications staff in the civil service.
	
		
			  Department  December 1996 
			 Cabinet Office 14 
			 Ministry of Justice - 
			 Lord Chancellor's Department 15 
			 Department for Culture, Media and Sport - 
			 Department of National Heritage 15 
			 HM Customs and Excise 9 
			 HM Revenue and Customs - 
			 Board of Inland Revenue 16 
			 Ministry of Defence 44 
			 Department for Communities and Local Government - 
			 Department for Education and Employment 56 
			 Department for Children, Schools and Families - 
			 Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills - 
			 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 
			 Department of the Environment 60 
			 Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 40 
			 Foreign and Commonwealth Office 22 
			 Department of Health (central directorate only) 77 
			 Home Office 47 
			 Department for International Development - 
			 Prime Minister's Office 10 
			 Department of Trade and Industry 66 
			 Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform - 
			 Department for Transport (including agencies) 51 
			 HM Treasury (includes staff in public inquiries unit) 16 
			 Department for Social Security 61 
			 Department for Work and Pensions - 
			 Total 655 
			 Total entries 1,713

Immigration

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate has been made of the ( a) number and  (b) proportion of additional households being formed in each of the next 20 years which will be attributable to net migration.

John Healey: I have been asked to reply.
	The latest national household projections, based on the 2006 Sub-National Population Projections published by the ONS, are published on the Communities and Local Government website. Estimates are presented for the average annual change in household numbers under variant net migration projections.

New Businesses: Hemsworth

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many businesses have started up in Hemsworth since 1997.

Angela Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2010:
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning how many businesses have started up in Hemsworth since 1997.
	Annual statistics on business births, deaths and survival are available for 2002 onwards from the ONS release on Business Demography at:
	www.statistics.gov.uk
	The following table contains the latest statistics available on business births for Hemsworth.
	
		
			  Enterprise births for Hemsworth 2002-2008 
			   Total 
			 2002 205 
			 2003 215 
			 2004 245 
			 2005 250 
			 2006 225 
			 2007 245 
			 2008 215

JUSTICE

Crimes of Violence

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in how many incidents of  (a) domestic violence and  (b) other offences of violence which resulted in a conviction a child was killed in each of the last 10 years.

Maria Eagle: The Court Proceedings Database holds information on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales. These data include information on the age of the defendant, their gender, the police force area and court where proceedings took place as well as the specific offence and statute for the offence. The Court Proceedings Database does not hold specific information on offences beyond descriptions provided by the statutes under which prosecutions are brought nor details of the victim of a criminal offence. Therefore it is not possible to separately identify domestic violence offences from other offences of assault and violence against the person. Unless specified in the statute it is not possible to identify the age of a victim of a criminal offence.
	Available information is given in the table for the number of defendants found guilty at all courts in England and Wales for murder of an infant under one year of age and manslaughter offences of infanticide and child destruction, from 1999 to 2008. Data included in the table exclude offences resulting in the death of a child that are not covered by specific statutes and where the age of the victim is not known.
	Data for 2009 are expected to be published in the autumn, 2010.
	
		
			  Number of defendants found guilty at all courts in England and Wales for selected offences against the person, from 1999 to 2008( 1, 2) 
			   Offence description  Statute  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008 
			 102 Murder of infants under one year of age Offences against the Person Act 1861-sections 1, 9 and 10 5 5 - 4 4 4 4 7 6 8 
			  
			 402 Manslaughter -infanticide Infanticide Act 1938-section 1(1) 8 2 5 2 - - 2 1 2 - 
			  
			 403 Manslaughter -child destruction Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929 section 1 1 - - - - - 1 - 1 - 
			  
			 Total   14 7 5 6 4 4 7 8 9 8 
			 (1) The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2 )Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services-Ministry of Justice

Debt Collection

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when the results of the Security Industry Authority's consultation on training requirements for enforcement agents will be published.

Bridget Prentice: The Security Industry Authority intend to publish the results of this consultation in June 2010.

Debt Collection

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many responses to the Security Industry Authority's consultation on training requirements for enforcement agents have been from individuals and organisations outside the bailiff industry.

Bridget Prentice: Six written responses to the consultation document have been received and four face to face interviews have been conducted by the Security Industry Authority with individuals or organisations outside of the enforcement industry.

Debt Collection

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps his Department took to inform the public of the Security Industry Authority's consultation on training requirements for enforcement agents.

Bridget Prentice: Following a press release the Security Industry Authority published the consultation document in a prominent position of their website and notified, by email or letter, 251 stakeholders, of which 20 were outside of the Enforcement industry, of its existence. In addition the Ministry of Justice also notified 38 of its stakeholders that had previously expressed an interest in regulation of the consultation exercise. All of the Ministry's stakeholders were outside of the enforcement industry.

Departmental Carbon Emissions

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies plan to sign up to the 10:10 campaign for cutting carbon usage in 2010; and if he will publish the (i) criteria and (ii) research upon which such a decision will be taken.

Michael Wills: The Ministry of Justice welcomes the fact that the 10:10 campaign will increase awareness among the public and business about climate change and sustainability. It will help to develop a higher profile of this issue in those sectors that are yet to set themselves any targets for improvement. Some of these businesses will also be our suppliers and this campaign should therefore serve to secure improvements in our supply chain.
	Prior to the 10:10 campaign being established, the MOJ had already committed to working towards the stretching long-term pan Government-mandated Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate (SOGE) targets to reduce carbon emissions from offices by:
	12.5 per cent. by 2010-11, relative to 1999-2000 levels, and
	30 per cent. by 2020, relative to 1999-2000 levels.
	Although we are only required to report on the office estate, i.e. buildings where professional, administrative or clerical duties are performed, as a further demonstration of the Ministry's commitment to sustainability, the MOJ has chosen to work towards and report on SOGE targets on the wider estate. To that end the Ministry has initiatives in place to reduce carbon emissions throughout our business operations not only in the office estate but also in courts, tribunals and prisons.
	HM Courts Service carried out a Low Carbon Technology study in 2008-09, looking at possibility of retro fitting low-to-zero carbon technologies into the existing estate. Many of the. recommendations are now being acted on, for instance, a boiler and air conditioning replacement programme is under way to replace old, inefficient equipment and a trial of voltage optimisation equipment is being carried out.
	HM Prison Service launched its own Carbon Management Programme in 2008 and attained the Carbon Trust Standard in April 2009. An innovative project involving Custodial Property and the Carbon Trust subsidiary, Partnerships for Renewables (PfR), has led to a generic options agreement being put in place to erect large scale wind turbines on prison land. An options lease with PfR has been signed for the Sheppey prison with more to follow.
	We are also working towards the SOGE target to reduce carbon emissions from road vehicles used for Government administrative operations by 15 per cent. by 2010-11, relative to 2005-06 levels. The MOJ fleets are on target to meet Government targets for all new vehicles coming into service by 2010 of 130 g/km, while we already only procure vehicles that conform to the EU emission requirements set for manufacturers.
	HM Government's UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, published on 15 July 2009, announced that all Departments would publish a 'Carbon Reduction Delivery Plan', the Ministry of Justice will produce its plan this spring 2010.
	The Ministry of Justice and its agencies do not consider it appropriate to sign up to a short-term campaign such as the 10:10 campaign target as it already has an ambitious carbon reduction strategy already in place to meet the Government mandated targets. Going forward a key part of the strategy are projects to establish better quality, more frequent data through the use of Automatic Meter Reading (AMR), enabling more timely action to be taken to reduce energy consumption. Other projects include plans to upgrade building services and to optimise energy use both through technological measures and better energy management practice. The MOJ will continue with its carbon reduction work streams already in place and we will continue to promote the long-term and structured work we have been doing to reduce carbon usage. Further detail can be found at:
	http://www.ogc.gov.uk/sustainable_development_ in_government_ministry_of_justice.asp

Departmental Sick leave

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many staff in his Department have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days since its inception.

Michael Wills: Sick absence data for the MOJ (excluding the National Offender Management Service-NOMS) cannot be broken down to the level of detail requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	4,461 directly employed civil servants in the National Offender Management Service have taken at least five periods of sickness absence, of less than five days duration between the inception of Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007 and 31 December 2009. This represents 7.2 per cent. of all staff employed over this period. An absence of less than five days is defined as an absence where the return to work date is less than five calendar days after the first day of absence. No account is taken of rest days.
	The general trend in sick absence levels in the MOJ is downwards. In the 12 month period to March 2009 the average working days lost per person was 9.8 (10.7 days per person in NOMS and 8.0 days per person in the wider MOJ). This reduced to 9.5 days per person in the 12 months to September 2009 (10.5 days per person in NOMS and 7.5 days per person in the wider MOJ).
	In the 12 months to September 2009 57 per cent. of absence was due to long-term sickness, where absence is greater than 20 working days.
	The MOJ takes the management of sickness absences extremely seriously and is committed to an attendance management system that will help reduce the number of sickness absences while supporting the well-being of its employees.
	The MOJ continues to focus management attention on reducing sick absence. Working proactively with external occupational health providers, there have been significant improvements in referral turnaround times. New, more streamlined and simplified attendance policies have been introduced during 2009.
	Further work is also focused on well-being and to support this work we have undertaken a fundamental review of the occupational health (OH) delivery model. The re-tender of the contract for external OH services has been progressed on the basis of this new delivery model, which at its core has a focus on proactive case management and an on-site occupational health adviser at every NOMS HQ and prison service location.

Driving Offences: Convictions

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many hit and run traffic incidents led to an individual being convicted in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) each police force area in each year since 1998.

Maria Eagle: The number of hit and run incidents cannot be directly linked to prosecutions and convictions at court. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the information requested.
	The information given in the following table shows the number of offenders convicted at all courts for the offence of failing to stop after an accident in England and Wales, by police force area, from 1998 to 2008 (latest available).
	
		
			  Number of persons convicted at all courts for the offence of failing to stop after an accident( 1, 2, 3, 4) ,in England and Wales and by police force area, from 1998 to 2008( 5, 6) 
			  Police force area  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008 
			 Avon and Somerset 146 151 124 117 39 50 53 78 74 86 45 
			 Bedfordshire 47 56 56 51 50 49 39 36 51 59 30 
			 Cambridgeshire 45 55 54 39 48 51 55 53 56 67 54 
			 Cheshire 131 128 133 100 119 135 145 154 129 98 52 
			 Cleveland 44 40 31 31 37 34 36 35 28 35 18 
			 Cumbria 46 47 56 54 52 76 63 67 54 65 34 
			 Derbyshire 72 81 81 89 77 82 90 75 80 108 59 
			 Devon and Cornwall 83 85 73 95 103 109 197 176 115 78 44 
			 Dorset 71 51 56 65 48 64 47 53 48 41 19 
			 Durham 31 42 22 45 40 48 42 46 42 37 16 
			 Essex 199 177 205 224 244 247 218 180 174 152 39 
			 Gloucestershire 56 44 49 58 52 63 25 25 20 14 12 
			 Greater Manchester 346 383 358 397 383 332 404 393 363 316 166 
			 Hampshire 116 126 140 138 138 150 123 89 96 115 111 
			 Hertfordshire 81 79 98 82 106 112 94 89 104 124 94 
			 Humberside 73 80 79 103 83 110 74 75 57 41 31 
			 Kent 68 49 68 72 87 68 105 83 80 105 84 
			 Lancashire 115 97 92 102 '61 98 88 89 71 105 63 
			 Leicestershire 69 78 77 85 60 91 80 65 97 116 86 
			 Lincolnshire 36 45 35 55 45 60 58 39 28 39 24 
			 London, City of 7 15 5 8 4 5 5 1 3 6 2 
			 Merseyside 115 46 94 117 107 183 198 153 104 78 41 
			 Metropolitan Police 514 478 403 375 397 349 287 314 368 385 203 
			 Norfolk 121 103 76 76 90 75 103 91 100 71 55 
			 Northamptonshire 64 56 44 21 8 45 65 74 56 76 30 
			 Northumbria 78 71 106 99 106 103 115 120 132 145 115 
			 North Yorkshire 67 60 61 75 74 66 72 76 57 52 33 
			 Nottinghamshire 138 90 101 104 101 106 99 70 65 65 53 
			 South Yorkshire 112 111 135 148 118 151 124 152 142 140 123 
			 Staffordshire 64 26 25 19 35 48 58 33 26 33 21 
			 Suffolk 50 42 27 47 32 53 61 51 46 57 24 
			 Surrey 46 111 61 72 57 53 44 55 61 80 55 
			 Sussex 109 127 92 80 70 89 73 54 73 77 70 
			 Thames Valley 100 108 84 121 135 116 125 118 110 107 52 
			 Warwickshire 44 49 48 46 37 43 46 36 38 19 18 
			 West Mercia 112 112 101 126 152 158 168 147 191 186 166 
			 West Midlands 344 344 314 284 297 273 275 271 269 245 173 
			 West Yorkshire 191 190 186 209 224 189 236 253 233 253 212 
			 Wiltshire 49 41 39 58 51 45 53 48 37 39 19 
			 Dyfed Powys 33 27 37 39 '37 42 45 51 54 59 28 
			 Gwent 60 39 49 38 35 38 35 40 45 39 14 
			 North Wales 83 65 54 63 85 67 86 62 61 56 62 
			 South Wales 133 118 123 105 124 118 140 137 136 129 79 
			 England and Wales 4,509 4,323 4,152 4,332 4,248 4,444 4,549 4,307 4,174 4,198 2,729 
			 (1) Offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 S.170(4), (2) Not all hit and run incidents are pursued through the courts-minor ones in particular may not involve police attendance and may not be reported to the police by the injured party. (3) Hit and run usually refers to a collision in which someone was injured or killed. The offence of failure to stop is also committed if there has only been damage but such incidents cannot be distinguished from those involving injury or death. (4) A person involved in a hit and run incident may be convicted of a more serious offence such as dangerous driving. (5) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it Is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (6) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services-Ministry of Justice.

Driving Offences: Fines

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average fine imposed for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third-party risks was in 2008.

Claire Ward: I refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer on 2 February 2010,  Official Report, column 262W.

Driving Offences: Suffolk

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many drivers have been prosecuted for offences under sections  (a) 3 and  (b) 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 in Suffolk in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how many drivers have been prosecuted for failing to stop after an accident under the Road Traffic Act 1988 in Suffolk in each year since 1997.

Claire Ward: The number of proceedings at the magistrates courts for the offence of driving without due care and attention, driving on footway and failing to stop after an accident for the years 1997 to 2008 are shown in the following tables.
	
		
			  Number of prosecutions for offences under section 3 and 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 in Suffolk( 1) 
			  Offence  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008 
			 Driving on footpath-Part of S34 of Road Traffic Act 1988(2,3) 3 4 2 4 3 2 4 6 6 2 1 2 
			 Driving without due care and attention-S3 of Road Traffic Act 1988 668 589 519 537 523 600 540 580 589 514 548 382 
			 (1) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are use. (2) Also includes offences of driving on a footpath under the S72 of Highway Act 1835 and sec 54 of Metropolitan Police Act 1839. (3) Driving on Common Land - part of S34(1) of Road Traffic Act 1988 is not separately identifiable from other offences.  Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services-Ministry of Justice. 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of prosecutions for offences under section 170(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 in Suffolk( 1) 
			  Offence  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008 
			 Failing to stop after an accident-sec 170(4) of Road Traffic Act 1988 169 138 125 107 163 167 174 207 166 162 182 66 
			 (1) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are use.  Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services-Ministry of Justice.

Government Car and Despatch Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department paid to the Government Car and Despatch Agency in each of the last five years; how much it has spent on such payments in 2009-10; and what proportion of such payments was made in respect of the Government Car Service.

Michael Wills: The information requested is currently being collated and verified. I will write to the hon. Member with the full information as soon as possible.

House of Lords: Reform

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he plans to publish the draft House of Lords Bill.

Jack Straw: I intend to publish the key parts of a draft Bill for reform of the House of Lords in the next few weeks.

Juries

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what the cost was of protective measures for juries  (a) in circumstances in which allegations of jury tampering had been made and  (b) in other circumstances in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many juries have been provided with police protection in each of the last five years; and what the cost was of providing that protection.

Jack Straw: My Ministry does not hold information on either the costs of protective measures for juries in which allegations of jury tampering has been made or any other circumstances and on the number of juries who have been provided with police protection in each of the last five years and the cost of providing that protection. These are an operational policing matter.

Juries

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many  (a) trials have been adjourned as a result of jury intimidation and  (b) re-trials have been ordered in each of the last five years.

Jack Straw: Her Majesty's Courts Service does not record any data centrally on the number of re-trials ordered as a result of a trial being adjourned for jury intimidation. This could be obtained only by the inspection of individual case files which would incur a disproportionate cost.

Juries

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many incidents of jury  (a) intimidation and  (b) tampering were recorded in each of the last five years.

Jack Straw: My Department does not hold information regarding the number of incidents of jury intimidation or tampering prior to 2008-09.
	In 2008-09 the number of incidents of jury intimidation reported to Her Majesty's Courts Service was four (4) and, from 1 April 2009 to 31 December 2009 (figures available for 2009-10) two (2).
	The Ministry takes all security incidents, including jury intimidation very seriously and all instances are reported to the resident judge in the first instance and then, where appropriate, to the police.

Legal Services Commission

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice who the chairman and vice chairman is of each of the Legal Services Commission's Regional Review Panels; and on what date each was appointed.

Bridget Prentice: The review panel arrangements were put in place in 2000 but since October 2006, the LSC has moved away from the old regional panel structure for the majority of funding/costs appeals which are now dealt with by single independent funding/costs adjudicators. There are therefore no chair or vice-chair representing these adjudicators. The appointment of individual adjudicators is made in accordance with the criteria and guidance on the LSC Review Panel Arrangements 2000 (as amended), which is available on the LSC website.
	A panel can sit where the complexity or profile of a case justifies this; however, such panels have been required on fewer than 10 occasions under the post-2006 arrangements. All other appeals (either against refusal of funding or assessment of costs) have been heard by single adjudicators.
	The Special Cases Unit (SCU) has its own panel and they work as single adjudicators or in committees of between three and five when required depending upon the complexity or value of the cases. The Chair of the SCU Panel is Andrew Watson, a solicitor in private practice. He was appointed in July 2008. The Vice Chair of the SCU Panel is Simon Sinnatt, a barrister in private practice. He was appointed in July 2008.

Local Government Finance

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Meriden of 22 October 2009,  Official Report, column 1645W, on local government finance, what data sets not contained in the national indicator set local authorities are required to submit to the Youth Justice Board.

Maria Eagle: Youth offending teams (YOTs), based in local authorities, submit the following mandatory summary-level data items to the Youth Justice Board quarterly, annually or as required:
	Annual budget/staffing data
	Prevention programme case load
	Young people convicted of knife-enabled offences who receive a knife 'intervention' and Knife Possession Prevention Programmes data
	Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP) data Priority and Prolific Offenders (PPO) data
	Integrated resettlement support data (only for those YOTs that offer IRS programmes)

Offender Management Act

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many  (a) prosecutions and  (b) convictions there have been in relation to offences under section 22 of the Offender Management Act 2007; and what the average length of sentence was in cases of conviction.

Maria Eagle: The Prison Act 1952, as amended by the Offender Management Act 2007, defines the criminal offence and penalties for smuggling contraband such as mobile phones, drugs and weapons into prisons. The Offender Management Act 2007 strengthened the penalties for smuggling contraband, and made it a specific offence with a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment to bring a mobile phone or component part into a prison.
	From April 2009, indictable and triable-either-way offences contained in the Offender Management Act have been included in the Home Office Counting Rules for Recorded Crime. Offences recorded by police will be published in next year's annual statistical bulletin, Crime in England and Wales (July 2010).

Pleural Plaques: Compensation

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he has set a timetable for the publication of his Department's response to the consultation on pleural plaques.

Bridget Prentice: The House of Lords decision has raised extremely complex and difficult issues which have required very careful consideration within Government. It has also been important to look beyond the issue of pleural plaques itself to consider how people who have been exposed to asbestos can be supported much more widely. We are actively considering all these issues and hope to be in a position to publish our response very shortly.

Post and Parcel

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his Department has reviewed the operation of Rule 39 post and parcel.

Maria Eagle: The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) has recently made amendments to prison rule 39, which covers the confidential handling arrangements for the delivery of legally privileged material to prisoners. This was introduced by way of a negative statutory instrument which was laid before Parliament in November 2009 and came into effect on 1 January 2010 (SI 3082-2009). This clarified that the level of authorisation for the interception of such communications had been raised from governing governor of a prison to the chief operating officer of NOMS. It also made clear that there should be no distinction between legally privileged material which was delivered as correspondence or documentation (electronic or other) which was handed over during the course of a legal visits. Both should be afforded the same level of confidential handling arrangements.
	NOMS is also considering whether any additional practical steps might be taken to reduce the scope for abuse of rule 39, without risk of compromise to legal privilege.

Previous Convictions

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many  (a) juvenile,  (b) young and  (c) adult offenders sentenced in 2008 had at least 15 previous convictions.

Jack Straw: Figures for the number of persons sentenced for indictable offences in England and Wales in 2008 with at least 15 previous convictions are presented in the table.
	
		
			  Number of sentencing occasions for indictable offences in 2008 where the offender had at least 15 previous convictions, by age group, England and Wales 
			  Age at sentence  Number of sentencing occasions( 1)  Number of sentences where the offender had at least 15 previous convictions  Percentage 
			 Juvenile (aged 10-17) 50,835 1,099 2.2 
			 Young Adult (aged 18-20) 45,712 3,363 7.4 
			 Adult (aged 21 and over) 228,945 77,037 33.6 
			 Total(2) 325,616 81,504 25.0 
			 (1) Counts of offenders sentenced during the year, an offender may be counted more than once if he or she had been sentenced more than once. (2) Including offenders whose age at sentence had not been recorded on the PNC. 
		
	
	These figures are taken from table 6.4 of Sentencing Statistics 2008 which was published on 28 January 2010 and can be found at:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/sentencingannual.htm
	The figures have been drawn from the police's administrative IT system, the police national computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the police.

Prisoners Release

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he plans to take to reduce the number of prisoners released in error.

Maria Eagle: While errors are made in only a very small proportion of the total discharges of prisoners in any year, this issue is one that is taken very seriously. The National Offender Management Service has put in place a number of measures to reduce these errors including:
	all release in error incidents are reported immediately by telephone to headquarters as a serious incident;
	formal investigations are required in all cases and the learning from these investigations acted upon. Where individual (rather than system) failings have been identified disciplinary action has been taken;
	Prison governors and regional custodial managers have been required to review sentence calculation and discharge procedures and ensure additional managerial attention is given to this area; and
	Additional guidance has been provided to prisons in areas where it was discovered that detailed legislative or policy issues about eligibility for release had been misunderstood by prisons.

Prisoners: Body Searches

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many intimate searches were carried out in prisons in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many strip searches were carried out in prisons in each of the last five years;
	(3)  whether CCTV is installed in every visitor hall in prisons in England and Wales.

Maria Eagle: The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) policy on searching within prisons does not permit intimate searches to be conducted.
	Full searches (commonly known as strip-searches) may be carried out in order to detect items of contraband secreted on the person. NOMS' National Security Framework permits establishments to full search prisoners both on a routine and intelligence-led basis. Visitors and staff may be full-searched only in exceptional circumstances. Records of full searches conducted in prisons are not held centrally. To provide the information requested would involve requesting and collating information from all prisons which could be done only at disproportionate cost.
	CCTV cameras are widely deployed in visit rooms across the prison estate. They help to reduce and detect the passing of contraband between visitors and prisoners and to record, for evidential reasons, information on any incidents that may occur. However, details of equipment installed in visits rooms are not held centrally. To collate this information across the prison estate would incur disproportionate cost.

Prisons: Death

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody has spent on website maintenance and development in the last 12 months.

Jack Straw: The Independent Advisory Panel's official website was formally launched on the 3 February 2010. The cost of the design, development and build of this website was £22,400 excluding VAT. The maintenance of the site will be performed in-house by the IAP's Secretariat, at no additional cost.

Prisons: Dogs

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the outcome was of the national strategic review of the deployment of sniffer dogs throughout the prison estate.

Maria Eagle: In his report 'Disrupting the supply of illicit drugs into prisons' David Blakey recommended that the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) establish an internal review to determine whether drug detection dogs and their handlers are distributed effectively around the prison estate, and that the management processes for handlers are robust. The Government accepted this and all of David Blakey's other recommendations.
	NOMS has now undertaken a review of the distribution and management of drug detection dogs. Further work is ongoing.

Prisons: Drugs

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will publish the updated Supply Reduction: Good Practice Guide issued to prisons in England and Wales.

Maria Eagle: The Prison Drugs Supply Reduction-A Good Practice Guide contains detailed information about the methods and tactics employed for disrupting the supply of drugs in prisons. As such, in its entirety it is a considerable asset to those wishing to smuggle drugs into prisons. Publication would, or would be likely to, prejudice the maintenance of security and good order in prisons. We therefore have no plans to publish the guide.

Prisons: Sanitation

David Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent assessment he has made of  (a) the extent of the practice of slopping out in prisons in England and Wales and  (b) the compatibility of this practice with the Human Rights Act 1998.

Maria Eagle: Slopping out for normal prisoner accommodation i.e. using a bucket to urinate/defecate ended as official Prison Service practice on 12 April 1996.

Referendums: Electoral Systems

Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate has been made of the cost of a referendum on electoral reform; and what assessment has been made of the level of public support for such a referendum.

Michael Wills: Under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 the Electoral Commission is responsible for the conduct of referendums.
	The Government have not made a detailed estimate of the likely cost of holding a referendum. We have previously said that, as a guide, we expect the cost of running a UK-wide referendum to be similar to the cost of a general election. In 2005 the general election cost something in excess of £80 million.
	There are however, a number of key differences between the running of a general election and the running of a referendum-for example, the role of the Electoral Commission and the entitlements to send communications to voters-and as such the cost of a UK-wide referendum would not be exactly the same as a general election.
	The Government have not made an assessment of the level of public support for a referendum.

Sentencing

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were sentenced for failure to answer bail in 2008; and what the average  (a) fine and  (b) custodial sentence imposed for such offences was in that period.

Jack Straw: Data held centrally on sentencing show only the sentencing of principal offences. Failure to appear maybe sentenced as a principal offence but can be sentenced with other more serious offences. In such cases the sentence given for failure to appear is not recorded centrally. There were 17,351 cases where a sentence for failure to appear is recorded for 2008. Of these 7,527 received fines and the average fine was £68.52. A further 2,347 received immediate custody and the average sentence length was 25 days.
	The requested information is shown in the following table.
	The data are presented on the principal offence basis. Where an offender has been sentenced for more than one offence the principal offence is the one for which the heaviest sentence was imposed. Where the same sentence has been imposed for two or more offences the principal offence is the one for which the statutory maximum is most severe.
	
		
			  Total sentenced, average fine and average custodial sentence length for failure to answer bail( 1) , 2008 
			   Number/£ 
			 Total sentenced 17,351 
			   
			 Average fine (£) 68.52 
			   
			 Average custodial sentence length (days) 25.0 
			   
			 Absolute discharge 416 
			 Conditional discharge 1,595 
			 Fine 7,527 
			 Community sentence 2,991 
			 Suspended Sentence Order 203 
			 Immediate custody 2,347 
			 Otherwise dealt with 2,272 
			 (1) Bail Act 1976 S.6  Notes: 1. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. 2. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system

Sexual Offences

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people received a  (a) caution,  (b) suspended prison sentence,  (c) community sentence and  (d) conditional or absolute discharge for (i) rape, (ii) sexual assault and (iii) sexual activity with a child in 2008.

Jack Straw: The requested information is shown in the following table.
	The data are presented on the principal offence basis. Where an offender has been sentenced for more than one offence the principal offence is the one for which the heaviest sentence was imposed, where the same sentence is imposed for two or more offences the principal offence is the one for which the statutory maximum is most severe.
	
		
			  Sentences for rape, sexual assault and sexual activity with a child, 2008 
			   Number 
			  Rape( 1)  
			 Caution 36 
			 Discharge 1 
			 Community sentence 32 
			 Suspended sentence 3 
			 Immediate custody 865 
			 Total sentenced 919 
			  Sexual assault( 2)  
			 Caution 728 
			 Discharge 63 
			 Community sentence 640 
			 Suspended sentence 207 
			 Immediate custody 1,122 
			 Total sentenced 2,113 
			  Sexual activity with a child( 3)  
			 Caution 396 
			 Discharge 15 
			 Community sentence 246 
			 Suspended sentence 92 
			 Immediate custody 572 
			 Total sentenced 931 
			 (1) Includes rape and attempted rape of a female/male over 16, under 16 and under 13 (2) Includes Assault on a female/male by penetration, assault on a female/male under 13 by penetration, sexual assault on a female/male, and sexual assault on a female/male under 13 (3) Includes offences under S.4, S.8, S.9, S.10, S.11 and S.12 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Does not include familial sexual offences under S.25 and S.26

Youth Custody

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2010,  Official Report, column 458W, on remand in custody, how many young people of each ethnicity aged  (a) 10,  (b) 11,  (c) 12,  (d) 13,  (e) 14,  (f) 15,  (g) 16 and  (h) 17 years have been (i) remanded in custody and (ii) sentenced to custody in each of the last five years.

Maria Eagle: Figures which relate to all prison establishments in England and Wales for the years requested are shown in the tables which have been placed in the Library.

Youth Justice

David Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 25 January 2010,  Official Report, column 705W, on prisoners on remand, how many juveniles remanded in custody were subsequently  (a) acquitted and  (b) given a non-custodial sentence in (i) a magistrates court and (ii) the Crown court in 2008.

Maria Eagle: The previously supplied table that showed data relating to the number of juveniles remanded in custody who were subsequently acquitted or given a non-custodial sentence in each year between 2003 and 2007 has been updated to include data for 2008 as follows:
	
		
			  The estimated number of juveniles( 1)  remanded in custody( 2)  who were subsequently acquitted or received a non-custodial sentence( 3)  at magistrates' courts and the Crown court, England and Wales 2003-08( 4) 
			   2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008( 5) 
			  Magistrates courts   
			 Acquitted 1,391 1,186 949 847 791 660 
			 Non-custodial 1,737 1,637 1,480 1,459 1,664 1,511 
			
			  Crown court   
			 Acquitted 248 220 182 149 162 167 
			 Non-custodial 363 284 271 216 211 264 
			 (1) Defined as being aged 10 to 17 at the date of appearance in court. (2) Includes those remanded in custody at any stage of proceedings at magistrates and crown courts who may also have been given bail at some stage of those proceedings. (3) Magistrates courts figures exclude those committed for trial or sentence at the crown court. Non-custodial sentences include discharges, fines, community sentences, and a number of other sentences that do not involve incarceration. Acquitted includes proceedings discontinued, discharged, withdrawn and dismissed. (4) Excludes convictions for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. (5) Indicates that the data are provisional and subject to change.  Notes: 1. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 2. It is known that in some police force areas, information on remand decisions is not always readily available to those coding court proceedings returns. In certain cases, the return may be mistakenly coded as if no remand had taken place. For magistrates court proceedings, the number of remands and more importantly, the number which are in custody, are believed to be under-recorded in total. As the breakdown of remands into bail and custody cases for a number of forces is not accurate for a number of forces, estimates have to be made to provide national figures. Source: Prepared by Justice Statistics Analytical Services.

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

Class Sizes

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the average class size for  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools was in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside and (iii) England in each year since 1997.

Diana Johnson: The requested information is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Primary( 1)  and secondary( 2)  schools: Classes as taught( 3) -Years 1997-2009, coverage Jarrow parliamentary constituency, South Tyneside local authority and England 
			   Jarrow parliamentary constituency  South Tyneside local authority  England 
			   LA maintained primary( 1)  State funded secondary( 2)  LA maintained primary( 1)  State funded secondary( 2)  LA maintained primary( 1)  State funded secondary( 2) 
			 1997 26.4 22.7 27.0 22.7 27.5 21.6 
			 1998 26.2 22.0 26.9 22.5 27.7 21.7 
			 1999 25.9 22.4 26.2 22.8 27.5 21.8 
			 2000 25.4 22.1 25.8 22.7 27.1 22.0 
			 2001 25.5 21.7 25.8 22.4 26.7 22.0 
			 2002 25.0 21.8 25.2 22.0 26.3 21.9 
			 2003 25.0 21.4 24.9 21.8 26.3 21.9 
			 2004 25.0 22.0 25.2 21.9 26.2 21.8 
			 2005 25.2 21.8 25.3 22.0 26.2 21.6 
			 2006 25.8 21.1 25.4 21.1 26.3 21.5 
			 2007 25.9 19.8 25.3 20.2 26.2 21.2 
			 2008 25.6 19.0 25.1 20.2 26.2 20.9 
			 2009 25.5 19.4 25.5 20.2 26.2 20.6 
			 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. Includes middle schools as deemed. 3 One teacher classes as taught during a single selected period in each school on the day of the census in January.  Source: School Census

Class Sizes

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the ratio of teachers to pupils is at  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools in (i) Suffolk, (ii) the East of England and (iii) England.

Vernon Coaker: The information requested is published in table 27 of the Statistical First Release (SFR) School Workforce in England (including local authority level figures) January 2009 (Revised) published on 29 September 2009. The SFR is available at the following web link:
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000874/Tables19to27v2.xls

Cleethorpes

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Cleethorpes constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department's policies since 1997.

Vernon Coaker: Since 1997 the Government have transformed education and child care with improved outcomes for children and young people. Figures showing the performance at key stage 2 and at GCSE and equivalents in Cleethorpes are given in the following tables:
	
		
			  Key stage 2 results of 11-year-old pupils attending schools in the Cleethorpes constituency 
			  Percentage of pupils gaining level 4 and above  1997  2009( 1)  Percentage point improvement 1997-2009 
			 Cleethorpes-English(2) 66 81 15 
			 Cleethorpes-maths(2) 66 82 16 
			 Cleethorpes-science(2) 73 89 16 
			 England-English(3) 63 80 17 
			 England-maths(3) 62 79 17 
			 England-science(3) 68 88 20 
			 (1) Revised data. (2) Local averages include pupils attending all maintained schools (including academies and city technology colleges). (3 )England averages include pupils attending all maintained schools (including academies and city technology colleges). 
		
	
	
		
			  GCSE and equivalents( 1 ) results for pupils( 2)  attending schools( 3)  in the Cleethorpes constituency 
			  Percentage of pupils gaining  1997  2009( 4)  Percentage point improvement 1997-2009 
			 Cleethorpes-5+ A* - C 39.2 75.3 36.1 
			 Cleethorpes-5+ A* - G 88.4 93.8 5.4 
			 England-5+ A* - C(5) 45.1 70.0 24.9 
			 England-5+A*- G(5) 86.4 92.3 5.9 
			 (1) From 2004 results incorporate GCSEs, GNVQs and a range of other qualifications approved pre-16. Prior to 2004 results are based on GCSEs and GNVQs only. (2 )From 2006 figures are for pupils at the end of key stage 4. Prior to 2006 results are based on pupils aged 15. (3) Local averages include pupils attending all maintained schools (including academies and city technology colleges) and from 2000 do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. (4) Revised data. (5) England averages also include independent schools as well as hospital schools and PRUs. 
		
	
	Further information by constituency is provided within the Department's 'In Your Area' website available at:
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/inyourarea
	Information available at constituency level includes the number of specialist schools, number of operational academies, number of teaching assistants and other support staff, number of teachers and pupil: teacher ratios. Where information is not available at constituency level it has been provided at local authority level including the number of free early education places taken up by three and four-year-olds, number of full-time and part-time entrants to higher education institutions aged 18 to 20, average A level point score per candidate and per entry together with Percentage of People of Working Age Qualified to at least Level 2 and Percentage of People of Working Age Qualified to Level 4 and above.
	Additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Information Officers

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many staff in his Department  (a) have the status of embedded communicators and  (b) are members of the Government Communications Network but are not listed in the Central Office of Information White Book.

Diana Johnson: The requested information cannot be supplied without incurring disproportionate cost.

Departmental Internet

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what redesigns of websites operated by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills there have been since 27 June 2007; and what the  (a) cost to the public purse and  (b) date of completion of each such redesign was.

Vernon Coaker: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply has been placed in the Library.
	 Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 15 December 2009:
	Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for a response.
	Since 27 June 2007 we have not redesigned our corporate website.
	In November 2008, we made some design modifications to support the publication of Ofsted's Annual Report for 2007/8 at a cost of £1,242 and in November 2009 we made further changes to support the publication of the Annual Report 2008/9 at a cost of £2,300.
	In January 2009 we redesigned our careers microsite at a cost of £4,140, with a further update at a cost of £6,700 in August 2009 to support the move to a new organisational structure.
	We are currently in the process of redesigning our corporate website to improve accessibility and usability. This has followed research with users. We expect to launch this next year. We do not yet have a final figure for the cost of the redesign as it is still in process.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Vernon Coaker MP, Minister of State for Schools and Learners and will be placed in the library of both Houses.

Departmental Manpower

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the proportion of staff of his Department and its predecessors managed out in the last five years who remain working in the public sector.

Diana Johnson: Staff leave the Department for variety of reasons and no central record is held about their future employment.

Departmental NDPBs

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families for how many non-departmental public bodies his Department is responsible.

Diana Johnson: The Department for Children, Schools and Families is currently responsible for nine executive and four advisory NDPBs.

Departmental Written Questions

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what average time his Department took to answer questions for  (a) ordinary written answer and  (b) written answer on a named day in the last 12 months.

Diana Johnson: Information on the average number of days taken to answer parliamentary questions is not readily available in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Free School Meals

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what his latest estimate is of the number of pupils in each constituency entitled to free school meals; and if he will make a statement.

Diana Johnson: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

Free School Meals: Mathematics

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many white  (a) boys and  (b) girls eligible for free school meals achieved an A grade in A-level further mathematics in 1997.

Diana Johnson: holding answer 21 January 2010
	The information cannot be provided as pupil level data relating to ethnicity and Free School Meal eligibility was not collected as far back as 1997.

Free School Meals: Mathematics

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what proportion of pupils who were not eligible for free school meals achieved an A grade in A-level further mathematics in 1997.

Diana Johnson: holding answer 21 January 2010
	The information can not be provided as pupil level data relating to ethnicity and free school meal eligibility was not collected as far back as 1997.

Free School Meals: Milton Keynes

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many  (a) primary and  (b) secondary school pupils in Milton Keynes receive free school meals.

Diana Johnson: The information requested is published in tables 11a and 11b of the Statistical First Release on 'Schools, Pupils and Their Characteristics: January 2009', accessible via:
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000843/index.shtml
	Figures for primary schools include nursery schools and those for secondary schools include city technology colleges and academies.

Free School Meals: Torbay

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many  (a) primary and  (b) secondary school pupils in Torbay constituency receive free school meals.

Diana Johnson: The requested information is shown in the table, together with the numbers of children eligible for free school meals.
	
		
			  Maintained primary( 1)  and state-funded secondary( 1,2 ) schools: school meal arrangements as at January 2009 in Torbay parliamentary constituency 
			   Number on roll( 3)  Number of pupils taking free school meals( 4)  Percentage taking free school meals  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals( 3,5)  Percentage known to be eligible for free school meals 
			 Primary(1) 7,550 1,080 14.2 1,290 17.0 
			 Secondary(1,2) 6,830 690 10.0 870 12.8 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes city technology colleges and academies. (3) Includes sole and dual (main) registrations. (4) Number of pupils taking a free school meal on the day of the census. Those eligible may choose not to take up their offer of a free school meal for various reasons e.g. through preference or through non-attendance on the day. (5) Pupils are counted as eligible only if they meet the eligibility criteria and make a claim. Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source:  School Census

Gifted Children

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what plans he has for the future of his Department's Gifted and Talented programme.

Diana Johnson: Government are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to progress well and that they receive an education that is personalised to their individual needs. We are re-launching an online environment for Gifted and Talented (GT) pupils and strengthening the support we provide to schools to help them provide the additional stretch and challenge their GT learners need to fulfil their potential. We are introducing some changes to better support teachers delivering GT education, to ensure that GT is better integrated into school and classroom practice and that schools have the funding they need to develop and support their most able pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Gifted Children: North West

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of school children in  (a) Chorley,  (b) Lancashire and  (c) the North West were identified as gifted and talented in each of the last five years.

Diana Johnson: Through the School Census schools are asked to confirm the number of gifted and talented pupils they have identified. The DCSF does not hold data on the number of GT pupils who went on to further education.
	The tables show the number and percentage of children identified as gifted and talented in Chorley local authority, Lancashire and the North West region and England in the January census between 2006, when the question was first asked, and 2009.
	2006 records include Secondary GT pupil data only. Otherwise, figures include Primary(1) and Secondary(1,2) school data broken down by the number(3) and percentage of gifted and talented pupils.
	
		
			  Maintained primary( 1)  and state-funded secondary( 1,2)  schools: number( 3)  and percentage of gifted and talented pupil s 
			  In the constituency of Chorley 
			   Maintained primary schools  State-funded secondary schools  Primary and secondary schools 
			  As at January each year  Number of gifted and talented pupils  Percentage of gifted and talented pupils  Number of gifted and talented pupils  Percentage of gifted and talented pupils  Number of gifted and talented pupils  Percentage of gifted and talented pupils 
			 2009 1,260 15.1 1,110 15.3 2,370 15.2 
			 2008 1,030 12.4 1,020 13.8 2,050 13.1 
			 2007 1,050 12.5 780 10.3 1,830 11.5 
			 2006 - - 670 8.6 - - 
		
	
	
		
			  In the local authority of Lancashire 
			   Maintained primary schools  State-funded secondary schools  Primary and secondary schools 
			  As at January each year  Number of gifted and talented pupils  Percentage of gifted and talented pupils  Number of gifted and talented pupils  Percentage of gifted and talented pupils  Number of gifted and talented pupils  percentage of gifted and talented pupils 
			 2009 12,600 14.0 11,002 15.7 23,600 14.8 
			 2008 11,470 12.6 10,570 14.8 22,030 13.6 
			 2007 9,580 10.4 9,580 13.1 19,160 11.6 
			 2006 - - 7,480 10.0 - - 
		
	
	
		
			  Figures for the North West government office region 
			   Maintained primary schools  State-funded secondary schools  Primary and secondary schools 
			  As at January each year  Number of gifted and talented pupils  Percentage of gifted and talented pupils  Number of gifted and talented pupils  Percentage of gifted and talented pupils  Number of gifted and talented pupils  Percentage of gifted and talented pupils 
			 2009 48,950 9 59,037 13 107,990 11 
			 2008 46,230 8 57,270 13 103,500 10 
			 2007 39,230 7 55,890 12 95,130 9 
			 2006 - - 48,380 10.4 - - 
			 (1) All data include middle schools as deemed. (2) All data include City Technology Colleges and Academies. (3) All data show solely registered pupils only.  Note: Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: School Census 
		
	
	A data table showing information for all local authorities in England has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Pre-school Education: Teachers

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the average teacher to pupil ratio was in infant school classes in  (a) Jarrow constituency,  (b) South Tyneside and  (c) England in each year since 1997.

Vernon Coaker: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Pupils

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of school children in (a) Suffolk, (b) the East of England and (c) England were (i) identified as gifted and talented and (ii) went on to further education in each of the last five years.

Diana Johnson: Through the school census schools are asked to confirm the number of gifted and talented pupils they have identified. The DCSF does not hold data on the number of G and T pupils who subsequently went on to further education.
	The following tables show the number and percentage of children identified as gifted and talented in Suffolk local authority, the East of England region and England in the January census between 2006, when the question was first asked, and 2009.
	2006 records include Secondary GT pupil data only. Otherwise, figures include Primary(1) and Secondary(1,2) school data broken down by the number(3) and percentage of gifted and talented pupils.
	
		
			  Maintained primary( 1)  and state-funded secondary( 1,2 ) schools: number( 3 ) and percentage of gifted and talented pupils  a s at January each year in the local authority of Suffolk 
			   Maintained primary schools  State-funded Secondary Schools  Primary and Secondary School 
			   Number of Gifted and Talented pupils  % of Gifted and Talented pupils  Number of Gifted and Talented pupils  % of Gifted and Talented pupils  Number of Gifted and Talented pupils  % of Gifted and Talented pupils 
			 2009 3,230 7.3 7,225 13.7 10,450 10.8 
			 2008 3,070 6.9 6,410 12.0 9,480 9.7 
			 2007 2,470 5.5 4,580 8.4 7,050 7.1 
			 2006 - - 2,700 5.0 2,700 5.0 
			  Source: School Census 
		
	
	
		
			  Maintained primary( 1)  and state-funded secondary( 1,2 ) schools: number( 3 ) and percentage of gifted and talented pupils  a s at January each year in the  East of England Government Office Region 
			   Maintained primary schools  State-funded Secondary Schools  Primary and Secondary School 
			   Number of Gifted and Talented pupils  % of Gifted and Talented pupils  Number of Gifted and Talented pupils  % of Gifted and Talented pupils  Number of Gifted and Talented pupils  % of Gifted and Talented pupils 
			 2009 - - 34,930 9.0 - - 
			 2008 29,350 6.7 44,630 11.5 73,980 9.0 
			 2007 36,150 8.4 50,711 13.0 86,850 10.6 
			 2006 38,230 8.9 54,651 14.0 92,990 11.3 
			  Source: School Census 
		
	
	
		
			  Maintained primary( 1)  and state-funded secondary( 1,2 ) schools: number( 3 ) and percentage of gifted and talented pupils  a s at January each year -national figures for England 
			   Maintained primary schools  State-funded Secondary Schools  Primary and Secondary School 
			   Number of Gifted and Talented pupils  % of Gifted and Talented pupils  Number of Gifted and Talented pupils  % of Gifted and Talented pupils  Number of Gifted and Talented pupils  % of Gifted and Talented pupils 
			 2009 353,210 8.7 466,820 14.3 820,020 11.2 
			 2008 331,580 8.1 448,380, 13.6 779,970 10.6 
			 2007 282,310 6.9 416,440 12.5 698,740 9.4 
			 2006 - - 352,980 10.6   
			 (1) All data include middle schools as deemed. (2) All data include City Technology Colleges and Academies. (3) All data show solely registered pupils only. Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: School Census 
		
	
	A data table showing information for all local authorities in England has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Pupils: Absenteeism

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of pupils  (a) eligible and  (b) not eligible for free school meals were classified as persistent absentees in (i) 1980 and (ii) the most recent year for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of white British  (a) boys and  (b) girls who were eligible for free school meals were classified as persistent absentees in (i) 1980 and (ii) the most recent year for which figures are available.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 19 January 2010
	The available information is shown in the tables.
	The first year for which information is available on absence by pupil characteristics is 2005/06 and relates to secondary schools only. This was extended to primary and special schools in 2006/07.
	
		
			  Maintained primary, state-funded secondary and special schools( 1, 2, 3) : Number and proportion of persistent absentees( 4)  by free school meal eligibility 2007/08-In England 
			  All pupils( 5) 
			   Pupil enrolments who are eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees  Proportion of pupil enrolments who are eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees( 6)  Pupil enrolments who are not eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees  Proportion of pupil enrolments who are not eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees( 6)  All pupil enrolments classified as persistent absentees( 7)  Proportion of pupil enrolments classified as absentees( 6) 
			 Number/Proportion 81,880 8.2 146,330 2,7 232,810 3.6 
		
	
	
		
			  White British( 5) 
			  Boys 
			   Pupil enrolments who are eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees  Proportion of pupil enrolments who are eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees( 6)  Pupil enrolments who are not eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees  Proportion of pupil enrolments who are not eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees( 6)  All pupil enrolments classified as persistent absentees  Proportion of pupil enrolments classified as absentees( 6) 
			 Number/Proportion 31,910 9.7 56,820 2.6 88,730 3,5 
		
	
	
		
			  Girls 
			   Pupil enrolments who are eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees  Proportion of pupil enrolments who are eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees( 6)  Pupil enrolments who are not eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees  Proportion of pupil enrolments who are not eligible for free school meals classified as persistent absentees( 6)  All pupil enrolments classified as persistent absentees  Proportion of pupil enrolments classified as absentees( 6) 
			 Number/Proportion 30,900 9.8 58,790 2.8 89,690 3.7 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes maintained secondary schools, city technology colleges and academies (including all-through academies). (3) Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. (4) Persistent absentees are defined as having 64 or more sessions of absence (authorised and unauthorised) during the year, typically over 20 per cent. overall absence rate. (5) Number of pupil enrolments in schools from start of the school year up until 23 May 2008. Includes pupils on the roll for at least one session who are aged between five and 15, excluding boarders. Some pupils may be counted more than once. (6) The number of persistent absentee enrolments expressed as a percentage of the total number of enrolments with the same characteristics. (7) Includes pupils for whom characteristic data were missing or unclassified.  Source: School Census

Pupils: Bullying

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what recent estimate his Department has made of the level of bullying in schools.

Vernon Coaker: The annual TellUs survey gives us information on the extent of bullying in school. According to TellUs 3 (2008) 56 per cent. of young people say they have never been bullied in school and 39 per cent. say they have been bullied in school.
	Overall 48 per cent. of young people surveyed said they had been bullied at some time during the last year, either in or out of school. The TellUs 3 statistics are published on our website at:
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/STR/d000828/index.shtml

Pupils: Per Capita Costs

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much his Department has allocated per child in  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools in (i) Romford and (ii) Hornchurch constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: The Department allocates education funding to local authorities so the requested information for Romford and Hornchurch constituencies is not available.
	Since 2006-07 the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) has been the main source of school funding. As the DSG is distributed using a single guaranteed unit of funding per pupil for each authority and is distributed from central Government to local government, a primary/secondary split on a central Government to constituency basis is not available.
	Per pupil funding figures for 2005-06 to 2008-09 for Havering local authority are provided in the table. Final figures for 2009-10 are not yet available. The figures are for all funded pupils aged 3 to 19 and are in real terms:
	
		
			  Real terms revenue funding per pupil in Havering local authority-DSG plus grants. Pupils aged 3 to 19 
			   £ 
			 2005-06 (Baseline) 4,360 
			 2006-07 4,450 
			 2007-08 4,600 
			 2008-09 4,670 
			  Notes: 1. This covers funding through the Dedicated Schools Grant, School Standards Grant, School Standards Grant (Personalisation) and Standards Fund as well as funding from the Learning and Skills Council; it excludes grants which are not allocated at LA level. 2. Price Base: Real terms at 2008-09 prices, based on GDP deflators as at 9 December 2009. 3. These figures are for all funded pupils aged 3 to 19. 4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest £10.

Special Educational Needs

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many children with emotional, behavioural and social difficulties there are in  (a) Torbay constituency,  (b) the South West and  (c) England.

Diana Johnson: This Department collects information on children who have special educational needs. For those pupils at School Action Plus and those pupils with a statement of special educational need information is collected on their primary need and, if appropriate, their secondary need. Information on primary need only is provided in the table.
	
		
			  Maintained primary( 1) , state-funded secondary( 1,2 ) and special schools( 3) : number of pupils ( 4)  with behaviour, emotional and social difficulties( 5)  as at January 2009 in England, South West Government Office Region and Torbay Parliamentary Constituency 
			  Torbay  South West  England 
			  Maintained  p rimary  State funded  s econdary  All special  Maintained  p rimary  State funded  s econdary  All special  Maintained  p rimary  Secondary  All  s pecial 
			 120 250 50 5,350 6,280 1,280 58,930 82,270 13,240 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes city technology colleges and academies. (3) Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. (4) Headcount of solely registered pupils only, in schools located in Torbay, South West and England. (5) The statistics relate to those children whose primary specific special educational need is classified as Behavioural, Social and Emotional Difficulties. Only children at the School Action Plus provision category or with statements of SEN are categorised according to specific need in this way. Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source:  School Census

Teachers: Lancashire

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what the teacher to pupil ratio is at each  (a) primary and  (b) secondary school in Lancashire;
	(2)  what the teaching assistant to pupil ratio is at each  (a) primary and  (b) secondary school in (i) Chorley constituency and (ii) each school in the Lancashire County Council area.

Vernon Coaker: The information requested has been placed in both the Libraries.

Thanet

Stephen Ladyman: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will set out, with statistical information related as directly as possible to South Thanet constituency, the effects on South Thanet of the policies and actions of his Department and its predecessors since 2000.

Vernon Coaker: Since 2000 the Government have transformed education and child care with improved outcomes for children and young people. Figures showing the performance at key stage 2 and at GCSE and equivalents in South Thanet are given in the following tables:
	
		
			  Key stage 2 results of 11 year old pupils attending schools in the South Thanet constituency 
			  Percentage of pupils gaining level 4 and above  2000  2009( 3)  Percentage point improvement 2000-09 
			  South Thanet
			 English(1) 72 74 2 
			 Maths(1) 63 70 7 
			 Science(1) 75 82 7 
			 
			  England
			 English(2) 75 80 5 
			 Maths(2) 72 79 7 
			 Science(2) 85 88 3 
			 (1) Local averages include pupils attending all maintained schools (including Academies and City Technology Colleges). (2) England averages include pupils attending all maintained schools (including Academies and City Technology Colleges). (3) Revised data. 
		
	
	
		
			  GCSE and equivalents( 1)  results for pupils( 2)  attending schools( 3)  in the South Thanet constituency 
			  Percentage of pupils gaining:  2000  2009( 5)  Percen tage point improvement 2000- 09 
			  South Thanet
			 5+ A*-C 52.7 75.1 22.4 
			 5+ A*-G 92.9 92.4 -0.5 
			 
			  England
			 5+ A*-C(4) 49.2 70.0 20.8 
			 5+ A*-G(4) 88.9 92.3 3.4 
			 (1) From 2004 results incorporate GCSEs, GNVQs and a range of other qualifications approved pre-16. Prior to 2004 results are based on GCSEs and GNVQs only. (2) From 2006 figures are for pupils at the end of key stage 4. Prior to 2006 results are based on pupils aged 15. (3) Local averages include pupils attending all maintained schools (including Academies and City Technology Colleges) and from 2000 do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. (4) England averages also include independent schools as well as hospital schools and PRUs. (5) Revised data. 
		
	
	Further information by constituency is provided within the Department's 'In Your Area' website available at:
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/inyourarea
	Information available at constituency level includes the number of specialist schools, number of operational Academies, number of teaching assistants and other support staff, number of teachers and pupil:teacher ratios. Where information is not available at constituency level it has been provided at local authority level including the number of free early education places taken up by three and four-year-olds, number full-time and part-time entrants to higher education institutions aged 18 to 20, average A level point score per candidate and per entry together with percentage of people of working age qualified to at least Level 2 and percentage of people of working age qualified to level 4 and above.
	Additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Cold Weather Payments

John Mason: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many  (a) households and  (b) individuals in Glasgow East constituency have received cold weather payments since 1 November 2009.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many  (a) households and  (b) individuals in Perth and North Perthshire constituency have received cold weather payments since 1 November 2009.

Helen Goodman: The information requested is not available.

Cold Weather Payments: Devon

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many residents of Torridge and West Devon constituency received cold weather payments in each of the last 12 months.

Helen Goodman: The information is not available in the format requested. Cold weather payment information is only available by weather station.

Departmental Accountancy

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether any written instructions have been provided to her Department's and its predecessors' Accounting Officer in accordance with paragraph 5.5 of the Ministerial Code since 1997.

Jonathan R Shaw: Since the Department for Work and Pension's inception in 2001, no written instructions have been given to the Departmental Accounting Officer by the Secretary of State.
	According to the Department's records, during 1998 and 1999, five written ministerial directions were issued by the Secretary of State of the then Department of Social Security to the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the then Benefits Agency.

Departmental Communication

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of Lord Bates of 3 December 2009,  Official Report, House of Lords, column WA68, on Government Departments: Annual Reports, and with reference to the Government Response to the House of Lords Communications Committee's report into Government Communications, whether her Department publishes an annual report on departmental communications.

Jonathan R Shaw: The Department for Work and Pensions does not publish an annual report on departmental communications, but does include a section on communications in the departmental annual report. The last report was published in June 2009 and can be found on the Department's website at:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/corporate-publications/dr09.shtml

Departmental Recruitment

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many job vacancies in her Department and its agencies were filled through external recruitment in the last year for which figures are available.

Jonathan R Shaw: The following table shows the number of vacancies, expressed on a full time equivalent basis, filled through external recruitment by the Department and its Agencies during the Departmental financial year ending 31 March 2009.
	
		
			  Business area  Total 
			 Jobcentre Plus Pensions, 8,667 
			 Disability and Carers Service 1,086 
			 Child Support Agency 459 
			 Core Department 749 
			 Total 10,961 
			  Notes: 1. Information for The Child Support Agency is up to 30 October 2008. The Agency transferred to the Child Maintenance Enforcement Commission on 1 November 2008. 2. Figures include all permanent and temporary Civil Service staff and are shown on a full time equivalent basis as this best represents the number of posts that were filled. 3. In addition to normal recruitment during 2008/09, additional staff were recruited to support the introduction of the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and during the last quarter to deal with rising workloads in Jobcentre Plus as a result of the economic downturn. 4. Additional staff continued to be recruited during the first six months of the 2009-10 financial year to address increasing workloads. The majority of these staff were engaged on a fixed term or temporary contract basis.

Departmental Surveys

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will place in the Library a copy of the results of her Department's most recent staff survey; which organisation carried out the survey; and what the cost of the survey was.

Jim Knight: The Department for Work and Pensions will publish results in the Library from our most recent staff survey, completed in November 2009 as part of the first cross Civil Service People Survey, after 1 February 2010 when the results become available from the survey supplier.
	The Cabinet Office procured ORC International to supply the 2009-10 cross-Civil Service People Survey.
	The Department share of the whole 2009-10 survey cost is just under £98,000. This surveyed over 100,000 DWP staff including the Health and Safety Executive. A response was received from over 80,000 people.

Departmental Telephone Services

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average duration was of calls made to her Department's 0845 telephone number in the latest period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The Department, through its agencies, operate a number of 0845 telephone numbers.
	Jobcentre Plus delivers its services through a number of service lines, and contact centres, using 0845 telephone numbers.
	The average call durations for each service line, for the week ending 15 January, were as follows:
	
		
			  Service line  Telephone number  Average call duration 
			 Jobseeker Direct English 0845 606 0234 00:03:32 
			 DWP Recruitment Line Welsh 0845 601 6796 00:01:14 
			 Employer Direct English 0845 601 2001 00:06:16 
			 OVT English 0845 601 2001 00:02:07 
			 NiNo Allocations English 0845 600 0643 00:04:48 
			 EBOST English 0845 601 2001 00:04:48 
			 Tele Account Management 0845 850 0242 00:03:16 
			 Local Employer Partnerships 0845 600 8192 00:03:11 
			 Self Service Helpline English 0845 604 3349 00:04:09 
			 JSA Telephony Range of 0845 numbers in a virtual queue 00:04:20 
		
	
	Jobcentre Plus has a number of benefit delivery centres which use 0845 numbers, The average call durations, for week ending 15 January, were as follows:
	
		
			  Contact centres  Average call duration 
			 Employment support allowance 00:04:09 
			 Incapacity benefit 00:03:09 
			 Income support 00:03:00 
			 Jobseekers allowance 00:03:20 
			 Maternity allowance 00:03:20 
			 Social fund 00:02:19 
		
	
	The Pensions, Disability and Carers Service (PDCS) also operate a number of 0845 numbers. The average call durations of which, for December 2009, were as follows:
	
		
			  Service line  Telephone number  Average call duration 
			 Pensions general inquiries 0845 606 0265 00:05:53 
			 Future pension centre 0845 300 0168 00:05:53 
			 Pensions direct 0845 301 3011 00:05:58 
			 Carers allowance 0845 608 4321 00:03:09 
			 Disability living allowance/attendance allowance helpline 0845 712 3456 00:03:10 
		
	
	Debt Management operate one 0845 telephone number. The average call duration of which, for December 2009, was as follows:
	
		
			  Service line  Number  Average call duration 
			 Debt Management 0845 850 0293 00:04:40

Digital Technology: Finance

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what funding her Department has provided for the Lighthouse Project on digital inclusion to date.

Helen Goodman: The Lighthouse Project was a charitable organisation located in Halesowen and Wednesbury in the west midlands offering drop-in advice and a wide range of support services to the local community. Jobcentre Plus has not been involved in any of their funding.

Employment and Support Allowance

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what training  (a) Jobcentre Plus staff and  (b) medical staff in her Department have received in relation to the administration of special rules for employment and support allowance for people with cancer.

Jim Knight: holding answer 1 February 2010
	The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Darra Singh:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what training (a) Jobcentre Plus staff and (b) medical staff in her Department have received in relation to the administration of special rules for Employment and Support Allowance for people with cancer. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	As part of the training for administering Employment and Support Allowance, Jobcentre Plus staff access three specific training events delivered in a classroom environment amounting to six hours of learning. The events provide an overview of 'Support Group' customers whose health conditions, including those with cancer, mean it is unreasonable to require them to engage in work related activities, and customers who satisfy 'Special Rules' conditions whereby they are not expected to live for more than six months. The training provides staff with an understanding of the Work Capability Assessment process and how customers falling into these categories are identified. The training also provides trainees with an understanding of the actions they are expected to take, and how the rules and conditionality affect customers with cancer.
	Additionally, all healthcare professionals working for Atos Healthcare who carry out special rules checks for Employment and Support Allowance receive training in both the medical and administrative aspects of the referrals. Administrative components of the training include the use of relevant computer systems, dealing promptly with the referrals and obtaining further medical evidence if required, usually by telephoning clinicians involved in the customer's medical treatment. The medical aspects of the training cover areas such as the application of the healthcare professional's medical knowledge in relation to the relevant benefit entitlement criteria.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Employment Schemes: Graduates

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many graduates exclusively resident in  (a) Test Valley borough,  (b) Southampton City and  (c) the ceremonial county of Hampshire have taken up (i) graduate internship, (ii) a non-graduate internship, (iii) work and (iv) training since the young person's guarantee came into effect; and how many are claiming jobseekers' allowance under the guarantee.

Helen Goodman: The information requested is not currently available.
	The young person's guarantee came into effect on 25 January.

Employment Schemes: Wales

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what steps her Department is taking to assist jobseeker's allowance claimants resident in Wales to move into employment;
	(2)  what assistance under which initiatives her Department provides to help young jobless people in Wales to return to employment.

Jim Knight: The Government are taking decisive steps in Wales, and across the UK, to reduce unemployment and is committed to helping people return to work. It is for this reason that we have made available up to £5 billion, since November 2008, to offer substantial new support to jobseekers to help them find work at all stages of their claim.
	We have quadrupled funding to the rapid response service which provides support to employees under threat of redundancy, helping to prevent them falling into long-term unemployment. We have also significantly increased funding to maintain and increase the existing support that is available to newly unemployed claimants through Jobcentre Plus and its external partners.
	As well as help with jobsearch skills and access to basic skills training, newly unemployed people now have day-one access to Local Employment Partnership vacancies, help to meet the expenses involved in finding work and, for some, work trials.
	In April 2009, we strengthened this support by introducing group jobsearch sessions specifically targeted at newly unemployed people, as well as specialist back to work support for newly unemployed professionals and executives, delivered through recruitment agencies. We also introduced a substantial package of support, the six month offer, for those people who were still claiming jobseeker's allowance after six months. This offer provides unemployed people with access to recruitment subsidies, self-employment help, volunteering opportunities and work-focused training.
	The Government have also targeted significant new resource on young people in recognition of the particular challenges young people face during a recession. Young people in Wales will now benefit from the young person's guarantee, launched by the Prime Minister on 25 January. This guarantees an offer of a job, training or work experience to all 18-24 year olds who have been claiming JSA for six months.
	The future jobs fund, part of the young person's guarantee, has already created around 9700 jobs across Wales.
	In addition, people who have been claiming jobseeker's allowance for 12 months or longer have access to the new flexible new deal which offers tailored, flexible help and support, particularly for those people who experience repeated cycles of unemployment.
	Furthermore, we are providing additional support for people who need extra help in the deprived areas in Wales through the City Strategy Pathfinders of Rhyl and Heads of the Valleys, two additional partnerships (Swansea Bay and Mon Menai), and Jobcentre Plus districts with deprived wards not covered by these specific initiatives. The Department for Work and Pensions is contributing approximately £12.4 million to these initiatives from its deprived areas fund (DAF) during 2009-11.

Employment Schemes: Young People

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether her Department provides funding to assist teenage parents not in education, employment or training to gain access to  (a) education,  (b) employment and  (c) training.

Helen Goodman: holding answer 8 February 2010
	Teenage parents have access to a wide range of pre and post employment support. This includes the new deal for lone parents and new deal for partners. Both programmes offer eligible parents, aged 16 years and over, access to a specialist personal adviser and a package of support, including training, tailored to the circumstances of the individual.
	Everyone making a claim to jobseeker's allowance (JSA) has an initial interview with a personal adviser to discuss their employment goals and how they will go about achieving those goals. In addition to the support available to all new JSA customers, those aged between 18 and 24 have access to extra adviser support and programmes, such as mentoring and work experience, designed specifically for this age group; those who have less than six months post-education work experience also have immediate access to the work trial programme. All 18-year-old new claimants have the opportunity to attend a 'group jobsearch session' which offers wide ranging advice on job-hunting and provides information on the services offered by Connexions/Careers Service in relation to education and training.
	All 18-year-old jobseekers who have been outside education, employment or training for a continuous period of 26 weeks prior to making their claim, will be automatically mandated to the supported stage of the flexible new deal or the new deal for young people, where they receive more intensive adviser support and access to a wider range of employment measures. Some other 18 (and 19) year olds, those considered to be at greatest disadvantage in the labour market, have voluntary access to this more intensive support.
	All 18 to 24-year-olds entering stage three of the flexible new deal process or the new deal gateway, are eligible for the young person's guarantee; an offer of a job, training or work experience. Individuals can be fast-tracked to early access to this provision.
	A small number of 16 and 17-year-olds are also able to claim JSA, mainly those in 'severe hardship'. These customers will see a specialist adviser in Jobcentre Plus and the vast majority of them must, as a condition of their claim, register for work and training with Connexions/Careers Service who are best placed to provide advice and guidance to this age group.

Future Jobs Fund

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will take steps to widen the Future Jobs Fund to include private sector employers.

Jim Knight: Private sector employers can already submit applications to the Future Jobs Fund either directly or as part of a wider partnership. In order to receive funding bidders must demonstrate that they meet all of the funding criteria. One of the criteria is that the jobs have a clear benefit to the community. Our current Jobs Fund Guidance, including that on community benefit, is available on the DWP website -
	http://campaigns.dwp.gov.uk/campaigns/futurejobsfund/index.asp

Jobcentre Plus

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether it is her Department's policy that Benefit Delivery Centres accept faxed copied of documents relating to benefit claims; and whether she plans to revise the system for processing benefit claims by Benefit Delivery Centres.

Jim Knight: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Darra Singh:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking whether Benefit Delivery Centres accept faxed copied of documents relating to benefit claims. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Jobcentre Plus needs evidence to support new and repeat claims to benefit and any change of circumstances. Our preferred channel for submitting this evidence is for the customer to directly post this to the Benefit Delivery Centre (BDC).
	We take a risk based approach when verifying the evidence that has been provided. For example, to verify a person's identity, the original documents are required. However, for supporting information that is considered to be less high risk then copies, faxed or otherwise, may be accepted.
	If a customer does not want to post their evidence to the BDC, or if the customer has been identified as vulnerable, an appointment can be made to hand their evidence in at a Jobcentre. This allows the customer to attend the Jobcentre where their documents will be verified and notified to the BDC.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Jobcentre Plus: Resignations

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what percentage of Jobcentre Plus staff have left the organisation in each of the last five years; and whether her Department has conducted an analysis of which sectors such staff moved to.

Jim Knight: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Darra Singh:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many and what percentage of Jobcentre Plus staff have left the organisation in each of the last five years; and whether the Department has conducted an analysis of which sectors they moved to. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The following table provides the numbers of staff who have left the organisation in each of the years and displays this as a percentage of the average number of people in the organisation in each of the years. These numbers show people leaving the Department for Work and Pensions from Jobcentre Plus for reasons like retirement, resignation, dismissal and end of contract. It does not include people who join another part of the Department or staff transferring to another Government Department.
	We are unable to provide details for the full five year period. Our records go back to April 2006. The latest published data we have is to September 2009. Neither the Department nor Jobcentre Plus analyses where people move to, subsequent to their leaving.
	
		
			   April 2006 to March 2007  April 2007 to March 2008  April 2008 to March 2009  April 2009 to September 2009 
			 Jobcentre Plus leavers 10,607 7,847 5,402 5,137 
			 Percentage of headcount 14 11 7 6 
		
	
	I hope this information is helpful.

Maternity Benefits: Hemsworth

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many women resident in Hemsworth have received the Sure Start maternity grant since its introduction.

Helen Goodman: The information is not available by parliamentary constituency.

Social Security Benefits: Armed Forces

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the spouse of a serving member of the armed forces is treated for the purposes of claiming jobseeker's allowance in circumstances where that person has left a previous employment owing to the relocation of the serving member of the armed forces.

Jim Knight: Spouses of service personnel who leave their employment to follow their partner will have just cause for doing so, provided they do not leave earlier than is reasonably necessary in order to arrange the move. This means that they will not be precluded from receiving jobseekers allowance on the grounds of voluntary unemployment.
	Leaving employment in order to move home is specifically covered in the decision makers guide.
	A copy of the guide is available in the Library and is available on the Department for Work and Pensions' website at:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/decision-makers-guide/
	Each case is considered on an individual basis with regard to the relevant legislation and the information provided by the person claiming jobseekers allowance.

Social Security Benefits: Fraud

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what her latest estimate is of the monetary value of fraud connected with each social security benefit in the latest period for which information is available.

Helen Goodman: holding answer 8 February 2010
	The available information is in the table:
	
		
			  Estimated overpayments due to fraud in 2008-09 
			   £ 
			  Continuously reviewed  
			 Income support 250 million 
			 Jobseeker's allowance 80 million 
			 Pension credit 110 million 
			 Housing benefit 260 million 
			 Incapacity benefit(1) 70 million 
			 Instrument of payment 10 million 
			   
			  Occasionally reviewed  
			 Disability living allowance 50 million 
			 Retirement pension 0 million 
			 Carer's allowance 50 million 
			 Interdependencies(2) 10 million 
			   
			  Unreviewed( 3)  
			 Unreviewed (excluding CTB) 110 million 
			 Council tax benefit(4) 50 million 
			 Total(5) 1.1 billion 
			 (1) All incapacity benefit figures are taken from the 2008-09 incapacity benefit continuous measurement exercise. (2) Interdependencies is an estimate of the knock-on effects of disability living allowance overpayments on caring and disability premiums on income-related benefits, which depend on the rate of disability living allowance in payment. (3) The rate of fraud and error on unreviewed benefits has been estimated. Where suitable proxies exist, percentage-of-expenditure results from reviewed benefits that are similar are used. Where such proxies are not available the average of all measured benefits has been used. (4) The estimate of fraud and error in council tax benefit is based on the results of measurement of housing benefit, adjusted to account for the greater proportion of pensioners in receipt of council tax benefit. (5) Columns may not sum to totals due to rounding.  Note: Customer fraud in income support also resulted in approximately £10 million of underpayments, which is not included, or netted off in this table.  Sources: 1. Published National Statistics. 2. Fraud and Error in the Benefit System: April 2008 to March 2009.

Unemployment Benefits: Merseyside

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many claimants of worklessness benefits there were in each constituency in Merseyside in each year since 1980.

Jim Knight: The available information is in the tables; information is only available on comparable basis from August 1999.
	
		
			  Claimants of worklessness benefits in each Merseyside parliamentary constituency: August 1999 to May 2004 
			   August 1999  May 2000  May 2001  May 2002  May 2003  May 2004 
			 Birkenhead 17,230 16,860 16,430 16,470 15,960 15,300 
			 Bootle 15,890 15,480 14,990 15,060 14,740 14,150 
			 Crosby 7,030 6,750 6,480 6,720 6,540 6,240 
			 Knowsley North and Sefton East 17,170 16,410 15,950 16,240 15,800 14,980 
			 Knowsley South 17,530 16,960 16,250 16,350 16,050 15,170 
			 Liverpool, Garston 14,000 13,560 12,990 13,280 13,130 12,610 
			 Liverpool, Riverside 21,680 21,000 20,500 20,470 20,110 19,470 
			 Liverpool, Walton 19,710 19,210 18,780 18,680 18,400 17,690 
			 Liverpool, Wavertree 16,030 15,610 15,080 15,230 14,710 14,000 
			 Liverpool, West Derby 18,970 18,570 17,990 17,860 17,150 16,310 
			 Southport 8,380 8,170 8,040 8,130 8,080 7,850 
			 St Helens North 12,320 11,960 11,580 11,650 11,450 10,910 
			 St Helens South 14,000 13,530 12,990 13,070 12,720 12,110 
			 Wallasey 13,200 12,910 12,350 12,790 12,690 12,250 
			 Wirral South 6,900 6,610 6,280 6,560 6,410 6,190 
			 Wirral West 7,560 7,270 7,010 7,340 7,010 6,730 
		
	
	
		
			  Claimants of worklessness benefits in each Merseyside parliamentary constituency: May 2005 to May 2009 
			   May 2005  May 2006  May 2007  May 2008  May 2009( 1) 
			 Birkenhead 14,800 14,800 14,370 14,410 15,850 
			 Bootle 13,660 13,770 13,150 13,000 14,160 
			 Crosby 6,180 6,140 5,860 5,790 6,630 
			 Knowsley North and Sefton East 14,250 14,210 13,820 13,630 14,730 
			 Knowsley South 14,680 14,620 14,140 13,960 15,070 
			 Liverpool, Garston 12,480 12,320 11,820 11,490 12,690 
			 Liverpool, Riverside 18,920 18,840 18,000 17,580 18,510 
			 Liverpool, Walton 17,280 17,110 16,490 16,180 17,440 
			 Liverpool, Wavertree 13,520 13,510 12,900 12,740 13,780 
			 Liverpool, West Derby 15,980 15,870 15,220 15,010 16,340 
			 Southport 7,570 7,630 7,500 7,510 8,460 
			 St Helens North 10,660 10,680 10,540 10,390 11,520 
			 St Helens South 11,930 11,870 11,710 11,570 12,770 
			 Wallasey 11,950 12,140 11,840 11,760 13,010 
			 Wirral South 5,940 5,950 5,700 5,640 6,370 
			 Wirral West 6,570 6,520 6,380 6,250 6,880 
			 (1) Provisional  Notes: 1. Data for 2009 now include Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). However, the ESA component of the data is provisional and is likely to be revised when data for the next quarter are released. 2. There are a number of different definitions of worklessness, but the one used in this analysis of benefits data is the same as the one in DWP statistics that refers to Income replacement benefits-those that are paid as replacement for an earned income. These are: jobseeker's allowance, incapacity benefit, income support, severe disablement allowance, and carers allowance. Using the Statistical Group analysis this includes jobseekers, incapacity benefits, lone parents, carers and other income related. 3. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 4. Figures are only available on comparable basis back to August 1999.  Source:  IFD 100 per cent. Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

Winter Fuel Payments: Feltham

Alan Keen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners resident in Feltham and Heston have received the winter fuel allowance since its introduction.

Angela Eagle: Information on winter fuel payments was not broken down by parliamentary constituency for winters 1997-98 and 1998-99. Information on individual payments made from winter 1999-2000 onwards is in the following table.
	
		
			  Feltham and Heston constituency 
			   Individual payments 
			 1999-2000 13,675 
			 2000-01 14,970 
			 2001-02 14,970 
			 2002-03 15,150 
			 2003-04 15,090 
			 2004-05 14,880 
			 2005-06 14,930 
			 2006-07 15,020 
			 2007-08 15,240 
			 2008-09 15,490 
			  Notes: 1. Figures up to 2004-05 are rounded to the nearest five 2. Figures from 2005-06 onwards are rounded to the nearest 10. 3. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory.  Source: Information Directorate 100 per cent data.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Departmental Sick Leave

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many staff in his Department have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years.

Michael Foster: There have been 37 home civil service staff of the Department for International Development (DFID) who have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more or the last three years.

Government Car and Despatch Agency

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department paid to the Government Car and Despatch Agency in each of the last five years; how much it has spent on such payments in 2009-10; and what proportion of such payments was made in respect of the Government Car Service.

Michael Foster: The amount paid by the Department for International Development (DFID) to the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA) in each of the past five years is provided in the following table.
	
		
			   Amount paid to GCDA (£) 
			 2004-05 256,841 
			 2005-06 283,476 
			 2006-07 262,604 
			 2007-08 313,092 
			 2008-09 537,398 
			 2009-10 to date 352,428 
		
	
	Costs to DFID of ministerial cars are reported annually to Parliament by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport through written ministerial statements and are available in the Libraries of the House.

Haiti: Earthquakes

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether his Department's four-person field assessment team deployed to Haiti has  (a) returned and  (b) produced its report.

Michael Foster: The Department for International Development's (DFID's) original assessment team members returned to the UK on Sunday 7 February after a period of handover to new personnel who will continue to provide daily field reports on the developing humanitarian situation in Haiti. These daily situation reports are used to inform strategic choices and funding decisions and are published on the DFID website for members of the public to view. To date DFID has not produced a final report on Haiti. We expect our assessment team to continue reporting from Haiti for at least three months from the date of the earthquake on 12 January. Daily situation reports and further information on the earthquake in Haiti can be found at:
	http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Media-Room/News-Stories/2010/Haiti-Earthquake/

Haiti: Earthquakes

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people the UK Fire and Rescue Service personnel saved in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake; and what assessment the UK Fire and Rescue Service has made of the effectiveness of search and rescue efforts in Haiti.

Michael Foster: The UK fire and rescue team pulled three people from the rubble alive and helped others through treating the injured. They also assisted the United Nations co-ordinate the overall search and rescue effort.
	The team was debriefed on its return and is looking closely at what lessons have been learned from the mission in Haiti that can be applied in future emergency responses.

Haiti: Earthquakes

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what  (a) personnel and  (b) other resources his Department has in Haiti as part of the earthquake relief effort.

Michael Foster: The Department for International Development (DFID) currently has a seven member field assessment team in Haiti. In addition, four experts have been seconded to other organisations to assist with the relief effort. The stabilisation unit has also deployed two staff to Haiti, with two more expected to deploy this week and a further two standing by to provide additional support should the need arise.
	DFID has funded four airlifts of relief supplies and provided funding to multilateral organisations and NGOs for a range of interventions including shelter, health, water and sanitation. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship Largs Bay is presently on route to Haiti carrying further relief goods including corrugated iron sheeting, vehicles, port enabling equipment consisting of various forklifts and further relief items for the Red Cross and a number of NGOs.

Stress

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will place in the Library a copy of any advice issued to staff of his Department on stress recognition and management.

Michael Foster: Copies of the advice and guidance available to staff of the Department for International Development (DFID) will be placed in the House Library.

Zambia: Debts

David Borrow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much of Zambia's bilateral debt to the UK is outstanding.

Gareth Thomas: Zambia has no outstanding bilateral debt to the UK. In April 2005 Zambia reached completion point under the heavily indebted poor countries initiative (HIPC), which aims to reduce external debt burdens of the most heavily indebted poor countries. This resulted in a full cancellation of Zambia's remaining bilateral debt owed to the UK.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Legal Costs: Criminal Proceedings

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Solicitor-General what recent discussions she has had with the Law Society and the Bar Council on proposals to change levels of remuneration for prosecuting lawyers in the criminal courts.

Vera Baird: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), superintended by the Attorney-General, has responsibility for negotiating any changes to levels of remuneration for lawyers prosecuting its cases in criminal courts.
	CPS officials meet with the Remuneration Committee of the Bar Council to discuss remuneration arrangements for self-employed barrister advocates and they last met on 1 February 2010. At that meeting CPS officials discussed with the Remuneration Committee options for re-structuring the CPS graduated fee scheme.
	The CPS does not engage in discussions with the Law Society regarding remuneration for prosecuting lawyers because few solicitor advocates are instructed by CPS and when they are arrangements will mirror those for self-employed barristers.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Adult Education: Hemsworth

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what funding his Department and its predecessors have allocated to adult  (a) literacy and  (b) numeracy in Hemsworth constituency since 1997.

Kevin Brennan: The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) provides funding to further education (FE) colleges and training providers to support adults (aged 19 and older) undertaking courses in literacy, numeracy and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). Since the launch of the Skills for Life Strategy in 2001, it is estimated that £5 billion has been invested in Skills for Life provision (for those aged 16 and older) up until 2008. Nearly six million adults (aged 19 and older) across England have taken courses to improve their literacy, language and numeracy skills since 2001.
	LSC funding is not allocated at the local authority level. Planned investment in Skills for Life at a national level is based on estimated levels of activity for an academic year. The amount of funding routed through Adult Learner Responsive and Train to Gain routes for Skills for Life is estimated at nearly £600 million for 2008-09 financial year and around £630 million for 2009-10 financial year, as set out in the Skills Investment Strategy 2010-11 (November 2009). The actual amount spent on Skills for Life literacy and numeracy provision will depend on learner and employer demand.

Business: Government Assistance

David Mundell: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  how many loans each participating bank has made under the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme  (a) overall and  (b) to businesses registered in Scotland;
	(2)  how much has been lent by each participating bank under the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme  (a) in total and  (b) to businesses registered in Scotland.

Rosie Winterton: As of 27 January 2010, 6,456 businesses have drawn down loans totalling £647.41 million. Of which, in Scotland, 470 businesses have drawn down loans totalling £62.38 million.
	Due to confidentiality it is not broken down by bank.

Business: Government Assistance

Lorely Burt: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding has been provided to Early Growth Funds in each year since their introduction.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 3 February 2010
	The Early Growth Fund Programme (EGF) was launched in 2002-03 when my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State entered into agreements to provide up to £31.5 million of funding to EGFs. The total programme expenditure to date is £30.17 million.
	Details of the sums drawn down are included in the following table:
	
		
			   Drawn down (£) 
			 2002-03 644,109.59 
			 2003-04 4,332,661.00 
			 2004-05 5,383,908.00 
			 2005-06 6,645,079.42 
			 2006-07 5,913,754.00 
			 2007-08 4,127,705.21 
			 2008-09 2,654,192.86 
			 2009-10 (to date) 467,626.70 
			 Total 30,169,036.78

Business: Lancashire

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to encourage business investment in Morecambe and Lunesdale.

Rosie Winterton: Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) has taken a number of steps to encourage business investment in Morecambe and Lunesdale. These include the wide range of support available within the Solutions for Business portfolio, as well as specific measures to encourage tourism such as £300,000 for a feasibility study to bring the Winter Gardens back into use and a £4 million contribution towards the refurbishment of the iconic Midland Hotel, revitalising the tourist economy. Heysham is also one of the 10 sites under consideration for a new power station under the draft Nuclear National Policy Statement.

Business: Stroud

David Drew: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assistance the South West Regional Development Agency has provided to businesses in Stroud constituency during the economic downturn.

Rosie Winterton: Data are not broken down by parliamentary constituency, but is available at local authority level.
	The SW Regional Development Agency (RDA) provides the core funding for the SW Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and Business Link and leads the regional co-ordination of eight Area Action Forces in the South West providing co-ordinated public sector support to companies affected by the recession.
	The Area Action Force for Gloucestershire helped 108 companies between December 2008 and 8 January 2010 including 14 based in the Stroud district. Support ranged from help accessing training provision, redundancy support for staff, Job Fairs for staff and referrals to Business Link, SW MAS and other organisations.
	Business Link engaged with 2,147 businesses in the Stroud District (10,605 across Gloucestershire) in 2009 of which 197 received intensive assistance. In addition, 220 businesses from the Stroud district attended Business Link Events during that period. The South West MAS helped 99 companies in Gloucestershire between October 2008 and the end of 2009 of which 26 are located in the Stroud district. These companies all received 'Level 2' intervention, which consists of a face to face business review with a MAS specialist and additional in-depth support if required.

Copyright: Music

Charlotte Atkins: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what account his Department took of the  (a) options appraisal section and  (b) generating and short-listing policy option section of its impact assessment toolkit when designing the consultation on the requirement to pay royalties for playing recorded and broadcast music by charitable and not-for-profit organisations.

David Lammy: holding answer 21 January 2010
	The Department fully complied with all impact assessment requirements and worked with the Better Regulation Executive when generating and shortlisting policy options.

Copyright: Music

Charlotte Atkins: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect of proposed changes to the music licensing system on charities and other not-for-profit groups in  (a) Staffordshire Moorlands constituency and  (b) the West Midlands.

David Lammy: holding answer 21 January 2010
	The Government did not make any specific assessment of the effects on  (a) Staffordshire Moorlands constituency or  (b) the West Midlands. However, as part of our consultation process we commissioned a final impact assessment from independent consultants, Europe Economics. This assessment estimated the impact on groups across the UK which would be affected. It was published on 12 November 2009 with the Government Response and a summary was placed in the House Library.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and organisations concerned on licence fee levels. We value the contribution musical performers make to the economic and cultural success of our country. We have got to make sure that they are rewarded for their efforts so they can continue creating. As part of this process it is essential that PPL work with the third sector to agree reasonable and appropriate tariffs. The Government want to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned. A mutually agreed solution is vital if the needs of both PPL members and the third sector are to be met. I remain confident that this will be possible.

Copyright: Music

Alun Michael: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department made use of the generating and shortlisting policy options section of its impact assessment toolkit in its consultation on the requirement for the payment of royalties for playing recorded and broadcast music by charitable and not-for-profit organisations.

David Lammy: holding answer 21 January 2010
	My Department fully complied with all impact assessment requirements and worked with the Better Regulation Executive when generating and shortlisting policy options.

Copyright: Music

Alun Michael: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposed changes to the music licence system on care homes.

David Lammy: holding answer 21 January 2010
	In practice the proposed changes will have no effect on the charging of licences for playing broadcast or recorded music in care homes. Phonographic Performance Ltd. (PPL) regards most such use by residents, including use in communal lounges, as equivalent to listening to music or the radio/television in one's own home.

Copyright: Music

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which organisations and individuals responded to the Intellectual Property Office's consultation on copyright exemptions for public performance of recorded music.

David Lammy: We received a wide variety of responses regarding the consultation on copyright exemptions. A copy of the summary of responses to the consultation ('Changes to Exemptions from Public Performance Rights in Sound Recordings and Performers' Rights Consultation, Summary of Responses') was placed on the website of the Intellectual Property Office in March 2009 and it is currently available at:
	www.ipo.gov.uk
	I am also placing the summary to the consultation in the Library of the House.

Copyright: Music

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will place in the Library a copy of each written response to the Intellectual Property Office's consultation on copyright exemptions for public performance of recorded music.

David Lammy: A copy of the summary of responses to the consultation ('Changes to Exemptions from Public Performance Rights in Sound Recordings and Performers' Rights Consultation, Summary of Responses') was placed on the website of the Intellectual Property Office in March 2009 and it is currently available at:
	www.ipo.gov.uk
	I am also placing the summary to the consultation in the Library of the House. A list of respondees to the consultation is detailed at Annex A of the summary. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of an individual response to the consultation should contact the relevant organisation directly.

Departmental Manpower

Philip Hammond: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many layers of management reporting from the most senior to the most junior there are in his Department and each of its agencies; how many officials are employed in each such layer; and how much was spent on salaries and associated employment costs of staff at each such layer in the latest year for which information is available.

Patrick McFadden: The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) was formed through a machinery of government change that occurred in June 2009. BIS was created by merging the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). DIUS and BERR were themselves created as part of a machinery of government change in June 2007. This means that this Department currently has two legacy structures operating alongside each other. The following information shows the layers of management that existed within each of the former Departments that were merged to create BIS.
	 BERR
	Senior civil service
	Grade 6
	Grade 7
	Senior executive officer (SEO)
	Higher executive officer (HEO)
	Executive officer (EO)
	Administrative officer (AO)
	Administrative assistant (AA)
	 DIUS
	Senior civil service
	Grade 6
	Grade 7
	Senior executive officer (SEO)
	Higher executive officer (HEO)
	Executive officer (EO)
	Executive assistant (EA)
	BERR operated with seven layers of management below the SCS while DIUS had one less because the AO and AA grades had been combined to create a single EA grade.
	The following table shows the headcount and the expenditure on salaries and the associated employment costs broken down by grade as published by the Office for National Statistics which combines some of the levels of management.
	
		
			   BERR  DIUS 
			  Grade  Headcount  Employment costs (£)  Headcount  Employment costs (£) 
			 SCS 180 15,189,100 80 6,729,700 
			 Grade 6 and 7 870 44,784,900 290 14,719,300 
			 HEO and SEO 1,130 35,832,700 350 11,238,000 
			 EO 510 12,326,900 130 3,123,300 
			 AA/AO/EA 380 7,588,200 60 1,166,700 
		
	
	The figures quoted only cover the core BIS Department. The central Department does not hold this information for our Executive agencies.
	I have approached the chief executives of the Department's Executive agencies and they will respond directly to the hon. Member.
	 Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 29 January 2010:
	I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary Question tabled 19 January 2010, 312823, to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	There are eight layers of staff in Companies House identified by grade. For the financial year ending 31 March 2009 the number of officials, amount spent on salaries and associated employment costs for each grade are as follows.
	
		
			  Grades  Number of officials (full-time equivalents)  Total salaries (£000) (with associated costs) 
			 SCS2 1 154 
			 SCS1 3 331 
			 G 12 1,149 
			 F 18 1,103 
			 E 42 2,149 
			 D 101 4,304 
			 C 264 8,663 
			 B 483 12,554 
			 A 137 2,739 
		
	
	 Letter from Sean Dennehey, dated 21 January 2010:
	I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled 19th January 2010, to the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	The Intellectual Property Office figures are for 2008/09 (pay costs include pay, NI and superannuation) and show the number of full time equivalents (FTE).
	
		
			  Grade  FTE  Pay cost (£000) 
			 Director 9.58 953 
			 Div Dir 4.00 440 
			 Dep Dir 14.01 1,384 
			 D1 7.15 734 
			 C2 160.88 10,799 
			 C1 109.58 4.987 
			 B3 89.41 3,655 
			 B2 124.06 4,270 
			 B1 106.73 2,754 
		
	
	This includes over 200 specialist examiners (mainly C2, C1  B2) and some other staff who are in management grades but generally do not have management responsibilities. Similarly most staff management chains will not include all the layers above.
	 Letter from Peter Mason, dated 1 February 2010:
	I am replying in respect of the National Measurement Office to your question to the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, asking how many layers of management reporting from the most senior to the most junior there are; how many officials are employed in each such layer; and how much was spent on salaries and associated employment costs of staff at each such layer in the latest year for which information is available.
	Within this Agency, there are five levels, in the sense of Grades, at which managerial responsibilities can be exercised. These are: Senior Civil Servant (myself), Grade 6 (four staff currently in post), Grade 7 (10 staff), Senior Executive Officer (5 staff) and Higher Executive officer (2 managers at this level).
	Managerial responsibility is only one of the factors taken into account when deciding on the grading of a post and there are therefore a couple of Grade 7s and several SEOs who are not managers, in so far as they do not have other members of staff reporting directly to them. In addition the vast majority of HEO staff do not carry out managerial functions.
	In practice NMO operates flat structures, which means that it is very unusual to operate with all five of the above mentioned levels. Structures also differ according to the nature of the work-management spans are much wider in the laboratories, for instance, than they are in policy areas. At present, I have 7 direct reports; there is one layer of management between myself and 19 staff; two levels of management in the case of 28 staff; and three levels of management in the case of 11 staff. In only four cases are there four layers of management/supervision between myself and employees. The Agency currently has 66 staff in post. Please note that these do not include vacancies and are expressed in terms of individuals, not Full Time Equivalents.
	The last complete year for which audited financial information is available is 2008/09, which was before the shape of the agency was significantly altered with the transfer to us of responsibility for the National Measurement System and the Teddington Estate. I regret, therefore, that meaningful information could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, we estimate that of the current salary bill of approximately £3.1m (ie the annualised staff costs of those in post at the present time) the salaries of those whose duties include some managerial responsibilities amount to approximately £1.6m.
	 Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 2 February 2010:
	The Minister of State, for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has asked me to reply to your question how many layers of management reporting from the most senior to the most junior there are in his Department and each of its agencies; how many officials are employed in each such layer; and how much was spent on salaries and associated employment costs of staff at each such layer in the latest year for which information is available.
	The Insolvency Service has 6 layers of management reporting, and the number of staff within each layer is shown in the table below based on full-time equivalent staff numbers. The costs shown are based on salary, superannuation and national insurance contributions projected annually from December 2009's payroll. However, not all B1-C2 grade staff are managers, and the number of managers at each of these grades could only be established at a disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Grade  Number  Grade  Cost of all staff in grade  (£)  Cost of managers in grade  (£) 
			 B1 306 B1 (EO) 8,485,968 n/a 
			 B2 131 B2 (HEO) 4,576,896 n/a 
			 C1 52 C1 (SEO) 2,499,156 n/a 
			 C2 291 C2 (SEO) 15,913,908 n/a 
			 D2 94 D2 (G7) 6,631,248 6,631,248 
			 D3 18 D3 (G6) 1,675,164 1,675,164 
			 Total 892 Total 39,782,340

Departmental Official Hospitality

Philip Hammond: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies spent on (i) alcohol and (ii) entertainment in the last 12 months.

Patrick McFadden: The Department spent £1,162,044 on entertainment between 1 December 2008 and 30 November. There are no separate figures on alcohol expenditure.
	I have approached the Chief Executives of the Insolvency Service, Companies House, the National Measurement Office and the Intellectual Property Office and they will respond directly to the hon. Member.
	 Letter from Stephen Speed, dated February 2010:
	The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has asked me to reply to your question how much (a) his Department and (b) its agencies spent on (i) alcohol and (ii) entertainment in the last 12 months?
	The Insolvency Service Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has spent (i) £1,900 on alcohol and (ii) £5,800 on entertainment in the last 12 months from December 2008 to November 2009.
	 Letter from Peter Mason, dated February 2010:
	I am responding in respect of the National Measurement Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 4 December 2009, to the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	In the last 12 months, the National Measurement Office spent £6,020.54 on entertainment, mainly in hosting meals for overseas visitors and providing catering for working groups and similar functions held outside the office. Of this, £593.45 was spent
	on alcohol.
	 Letter from Gareth Jones, dated February 2010:
	I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary Question tabled 4 December 2009, UIN 305545, to the Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	In the last twelve months Companies House has spent £2,528 on entertainment. Details of the amount spent on alcohol is not kept separately but was minimal.
	 Letter from Sean Dennehey, dated February 2010:
	I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled 04 December 2009, to the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	The Intellectual Property Office spent £1,400 on alcohol mainly at programme launches and gifts for other IP Offices. The agency spent £36,000 on entertainment mainly on refreshments and food for events and meetings.

Departmental Written Questions

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 28 January 2010,  Official Report, column 1094W, on departmental written questions; by what mechanism his Department monitors its responses to parliamentary questions; what its target time is for responses; and how its performance against that target is measured.

Kevin Brennan: The Department aims to answer ordinary written parliamentary questions within five sitting days of tabling and provide substantive replies to named day parliamentary questions on the date specified by the Member. Monthly statistics are being produced in this session within the Department to monitor performance against these targets.

English Language: Immigrants

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the answer of 13 November 2008,  Official Report, column 1394W, on English language: immigrants, how many places were available on English for Speakers of Other Languages courses for immigrants in  (a) 2007-08 and  (b) 2008-09.

Kevin Brennan: I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 16 December 2009,  Official Report, column reference 1363W.
	Information is not available on the number of places for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses. Providers ensure adequate places are made available to support local demand.
	Information on the number of immigrants enrolling on courses is not available.
	We do, however, publish the number of Learning and Skills Council funded learners participating on a skills for life ESOL course in each academic year. Information for academic years 2005/06 to 2008/09 (provisional) was published in a Statistical First Release (SFR):
	http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/sfrdec09
	This information is also shown in the following table 1.
	
		
			  Table 1: Participation on LSC-funded ESOL courses, 2005/06 to 2008/09 (provisional) 
			   Learner p articipation 
			 2005/06 266,600 
			 2006/07 243,900 
			 2007/08 217,800 
			 2008/09(1) (provisional) 210,200 
			 (1) FE and train to gain figures for 2008/09 are not directly comparable to earlier years as the introduction of demand led funding has changed how data are collected and how funded learners are defined from 2008/09 onwards. More information on demand led funding is available at: http://lsc.gov.uk/providers/funding-policy/demand-led-funding.htm  Note: Figures arc rounded to the nearest hundred.  Source: Individualised learner record

Enterprise UK: Finance

Mark Prisk: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what the  (a) total budget and  (b) staffing cost was of each regional office of Enterprise UK in financial years (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 and (iii) 2008-09; what the equivalent figures are for each such office in financial year 2009-10 to date; and if he will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 8 February 2010
	Enterprise UK developed its network of regional hubs positioned in geographical areas with below average enterprise activity to provide additional support at a local and regional level. Enterprise UK has directed funding from its overall funding from BIS (outlined in PQ 2009/1257) as shown in the following tables:
	
		
			  Table 1: Cost of individual Enterprise UK regional hubs 
			  £ 
			  Region/financial year  Total budget  Staff cost 
			  East of England   
			 2006-07 129,212 69,290 
			 2007-08 191,744 94,204 
			 2008-09 124,105 95,538 
			 2009-10(1) 84,556 69,598 
			
			  North East   
			 2006-07 - - 
			 2007-08 76,583 55,015 
			 2008-09 89,683 61,473 
			 2009-10(1) 48,654 39,968 
			
			  North West   
			 2006-07 144,449 100,075 
			 2007-08 237,023 156,738 
			 2008-09 158,625 113,637 
			 2009-10(1) 105,343 84,117 
			
			  West Midlands   
			 2006-07 186,731 53,773 
			 2007-08 234,988 84,289 
			 2008-09 107,988 60,296 
			 2009-10(1) 54,486 40,556 
			
			  Yorkshire and Humber   
			 2006-07 121,364 73,284 
			 2007-08 203,207 139,079 
			 2008-09 148,511 103,179 
			 2009-10(1) 95,949 72,999 
			 (1) Figures from April to December 2009. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Cost of Enterprise UK regional hub network 
			  £ 
			  Financial year  Total budget  Staff cost 
			 2006-07 581,812 296,422 
			 2007-08 943,545 529,325 
			 2008-09 628,912 434,123 
			 2009-10(1) 388,993 307,238 
			 (1) Figures from April to December 2009. 
		
	
	Each hub works closely with other local organisations to avoid duplication and increase additionality. 2009/10 conservative estimates for in-kind support put the hub network's impact in financial terms at circa £218,000 with a further £337,500 awarded as direct cash contributions to further expand the work of the regional teams in particular areas. Independent evaluation from the university of Glasgow found that Enterprise UK hubs 'had a substantial impact' within their target areas, 'considerable local influence', and 'largely offset what would otherwise have been a declining local enterprise culture'.

Enterprise UK: Finance

Mark Prisk: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Enterprise UK's  (a) total budget and  (b) staffing cost was in financial years (i) 2004-05, (ii) 2005-06, (iii) 2006-07, (iv) 2007-08 and (v) 2008-09; what it has been in each such case in financial year 2009-10 to date; and if he will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 8 February 2010
	 The information is as follows:
	
		
			  Financial year  Total budget (£)  Staff cost (£) 
			 2004-05 763,000 586,261 
			 2005-06 2,000,000 570,916 
			 2006-07 5,000,000 1,741,552 
			 2007-08 6,000,000 2,498,013 
			 2008-09 5,000,000 2,459,037 
			 2009-10(1) 3,650,000 1,810,410 
			 (1 )Figures from April to December 2009. 
		
	
	Enterprise UK was set up as a campaigning organisation in 2004 by the Confederation of British Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors and the British Chambers of Commerce, and continues to be led by their Directors General. Enterprise UK is funded by BIS to promote entrepreneurship in the UK, particularly amongst audiences that have characteristically strong attitudes towards starting businesses but have a below average proportion who actually do, such as young people, women and particular black and minority ethnic groups.
	Programmes funded by BIS and led by Enterprise UK include Global Entrepreneurship Week, the Make Your Mark campaign and the Enterprising Young Brits and Enterprising Britain competitions. The organisation is able to leverage substantial in kind support to supplement its funding; for example in 2008-09 this included £2.3 million worth of time spent by leading UK entrepreneurs who act as ambassadors and mentors and £7.25 million media coverage. Funding for Enterprise UK from BIS has been reduced over the past two years, as the organisation has sought other funding streams and increased private sector collaboration for delivery of its projects.

Higher Education: Fees and Charges

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will respond to matters concerning tuition fees raised by students of Warwick and Coventry universities at a meeting in January 2010.

David Lammy: A letter was sent on 8 February to follow up the issues raised at our meeting in January 2010.

Internet

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what targets the Government have to reduce digital exclusion by giving people access to online services.

Stephen Timms: Government have in place a number of targets to reduce digital exclusion by giving people access to online services.
	1. Through the Smarter Government programme, Government's aim is to have 100 per cent. of its services online by 2014. We also announced in November, as part of Smarter Government, that we will be giving UK online centres a further £30 million to get one million people online.
	2. Starting in 2010, the Government's Home Access programme (£300 million), children at key stages 2 and 3 who are eligible for free school meals will also be eligible for a home access grant. This will provide a free computer and one year's internet use. The aim is to help over 270,000 households by March 2011.
	3. We are working closely with Martha Lane Fox, the champion for digital inclusion, who is also a member of the consortium for the promotion of digital participation through her Race Online 2012 campaign, for six million people who are both digitally and socially excluded to get online by 2012.
	4. The national plan for digital participation which will be launched in March will announce further figures to encourage the remaining 30 per cent. of the population to get online.
	5. Accessibility is a key issue for this Government. Websites owned by central Government Departments must be Double-A conformant by December 2009. This includes websites due to converge on Directgov or BusinessLink, unless convergence is scheduled before this date. Websites owned by central Government Executive Agencies and non-departmental public bodies must conform by March 2011.

Licensing: Music

Tom Levitt: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions his Department has had with the Intellectual Property Office on the likely effect on charities and other not-for-profit groups of the proposed changes to the music licence system.

David Lammy: The Intellectual Property Office is part of my Department, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. There are regular internal discussions on this subject.

Licensing: Music

Tom Levitt: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment he has made of the likely effect on charities and other not-for-profit groups of the proposed changes to the music licence system.

David Lammy: It is essential that third sector organisations are protected from excessive burdens and experience minimal disruption as they continue to provide their vital services. At the same time we value the contribution musical performers make to the economic and cultural success of our country. We have got to make sure that they are rewarded for their efforts so they can continue creating. We must find a balance which is fair to both sides and is consistent with EU and international law.

Licensing: Music

Tom Levitt: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received from charities and other not-for-profit groups on the likely effect on them of proposed changes to the music licence system.

David Lammy: Since publication of the Government response to the consultation on changes to exemptions from public performance rights in sound recordings and performers' rights on 12 November 2009, I have received a large number of representations from charities and other not-for-profit groups through their MPs. My officials have met with the Association of Charity Shops and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. They have also remained in contact with other representatives of charities and other not-for-profit groups. The Government want to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned.

Licensing: Music

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whether  (a) an equality impact assessment and  (b) a small firms assessment has been made of the effects of abolishing the Phonographic Performance Limited licence exemption for charities and voluntary groups.

David Lammy: Specific impact tests on the effect of repealing the current charitable exceptions have been conducted in relation to race, disability and gender equality. A small firms assessment was deemed unnecessary. The results of these tests are contained in the impact assessment summary accompanying the Government response to the Music Licensing Review ('Government Response to the Consultation on Changes to Exemptions from Public Performance Rights in Sound Recordings and Performers' Rights').
	This was published on 12 November 2009 and the documents were placed in the Libraries of the House.

Licensing: Music

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will place in the Library a copy of each response to the consultation on changes to exemptions from public performance rights in sound recordings and performers' rights.

David Lammy: A copy of the summary of responses to the consultation ('Changes to Exemptions from Public Performance Rights in Sound Recordings and Performers' Rights Consultation, Summary of Responses') was placed on the website of the Intellectual Property Office in March 2009 and it is currently available at:
	www.ipo.gov.uk
	I am also placing the summary to the consultation in the Library of the House. A list of respondees to the consultation is detailed at Annex A of the summary. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of an individual response to the consultation should contact the relevant organisation directly.

Licensing: Music

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to which parts of the UK the proposed changes by the Intellectual Property Office to performance rights licence exemptions for not-for-profit groups will apply.

David Lammy: The current not-for-profit exemptions contained in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 apply to England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland. Any change to those exemptions will apply to those parts of the UK.

Licensing: Music

Tom Watson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the likely effect on  (a) charities and  (b) other not-for-profit organisations of the proposed changes to music licensing legislation, with particular reference to the West Midlands.

David Lammy: The Government did not undertake any region by region assessment and therefore West Midlands was not considered on an individual basis. However, as part of the consultation process a final impact assessment was commissioned from independent consultants, Europe Economics. This assessment estimated the impact on groups across the UK which would be affected. A shortened and updated form was published on 12 November 2009 with the Government response which was placed in the Library of the House. This contains a weblink to the full Europe Economics impact assessment.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and organisations concerned on licence fee levels. As part of this process it is essential that PPL work with the third sector to agree reasonable and appropriate tariffs. We value the contribution musical performers make to the economic and cultural success of our country. We have got to make sure that they are rewarded for their efforts so they can continue creating. The Government want to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned. A mutually agreed solution is vital if the needs of both PPL members and the third sector are to be met. I remain confident that this will be possible.

Licensing: Music

Tom Watson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the likely effect on village halls of the proposed changes to music licensing legislation.

David Lammy: As part of the Government's consultation process on the proposed changes to the music licensing regime, a final impact assessment was commissioned from independent consultants, Europe Economics. This specifically estimated the effects of the proposed changes on rural halls. The Government's response to the music licensing consultation, which was published on 12 November 2009, contained a summary of Europe Economics' impact assessment. The response and the accompanying summary were placed in the Library of the House.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and organisations concerned. As part of this process it is essential that PPL work with the third sector to agree reasonable and appropriate tariffs. We value the contribution musical performers make to the economic and cultural success of our country. We have got to make sure that they are rewarded for their efforts so they can continue creating. The Government want to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned. A mutually agreed solution is vital if the needs of both PPL members and the third sector are to be met. I remain confident that this will be possible.

Licensing: Music

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made an assessment of the likely effects on charities and other not-for-profit organisations in Greater London of proposed changes to public performance rights under the music licensing system.

David Lammy: holding answer 20 January 2010
	The Government did not make any specific assessment of the effects on organisations in Greater London. However, as part of our consultation process we commissioned a final impact assessment from independent consultants, Europe Economics. This assessment estimated the impact on groups across the UK which would be affected. It was published on 12 November 2009 with the Government Response and a summary was placed in the House Library.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and organisations concerned on licence fee levels. As part of this process it is essential that PPL work with the third sector to agree reasonable and appropriate tariffs. The Government want to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned. A mutually agreed solution is vital if the needs of both PPL members and the third sector are to be met. I remain confident that this will be possible.

Licensing: Music

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what consideration was given to maintaining the status quo in the Government's response to the consultation on the requirement to pay royalties for playing recorded and broadcast music by charitable and not for profit organisations amending the Copyright Designs and Patent Act 1988; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: holding answer 20 January 2010
	 The Government want a copyright system which achieves the correct balance between the interests of all parties. It is essential that third sector organisations are protected from excessive burdens and experience minimal disruption as they continue to provide their vital services. We must find a balance which is fair to both sides and is consistent with EU and international law.
	The Government consider the current exemptions do not draw the correct balance between the interests of right holders and charitable and not-for-profit organisations. It is for this reason the maintenance of the status quo was not consulted on as an option for reforming the current system of exemptions. At present, if charities wish to play recorded or broadcast music they will have to pay for a licence from the Performing Rights Society (PRS for Music), which provides remuneration to songwriters and music publishers. But third sector organisations are exempt under UK law from requiring a PPL licence, which provides remuneration to performers and record labels, if certain conditions are met. The proposed repeal means that charities will now pay performers and record companies for the public playing of their recorded or broadcast music, in the same way as they already pay songwriters and music publishers.

Licensing: Music

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect on youth clubs of proposed changes to the music licensing system; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: holding answer 20 January 2010
	 The Government did not make any specific assessment of the effects on youth clubs. However, as part of our consultation process we commissioned a final impact assessment from independent consultants, Europe Economics. This assessment estimated the impact on broader classifications which encompassed youth clubs. It was published on 12 November 2009 with the Government response and a summary was placed in the House Library.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Ltd. (PPL) and organisations concerned on licence fee levels. As part of this process it is essential that PPL work with the third sector to agree reasonable and appropriate tariffs. The Government want to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned. A mutually agreed solution is vital if the needs of both PPL members and the third sector are to be met. I remain confident that this will be possible.

Licensing: Music

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions his Department has had with Phonographic Performance Limited on the effects on charities and other not for profit groups of the proposed changes to the music licensing system.

David Lammy: holding answer 20 January 2010
	I and my officials hold regular discussions with Phonographic Performance Ltd. (PPL) about the proposed changes.

Licensing: Music

Nick Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the likely effects on charity shops of the proposed changes to the music licensing system.

David Lammy: holding answer 20 January 2010
	As part of the Government's consultation process we commissioned a final impact assessment from independent consultants, Europe Economics which specifically estimated the effects on charity shops. It was published on 12 November 2009 with the Government Response and a summary was placed in the House Library.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and organisations concerned on licence fee levels. As part of this process it is essential that PPL work with the third sector to agree reasonable and appropriate tariffs. The Government want to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned. A mutually agreed solution is vital if the needs of both PPL members and the third sector are to be met. I remain confident that this will be possible.

Licensing: Music

Francis Maude: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department has made of the effect on charities and voluntary groups of changes to exemptions from public performance rights in sound recordings and performers' rights.

David Lammy: The most recent assessment was undertaken as part of our consultation process in 2009. We commissioned a final impact assessment from independent consultants, Europe Economics. It was published on 12 November 2009 with the Government Response and a summary was placed in the House Library.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and the organisations concerned. We value the contribution musical performers make to the economic and cultural success of our country. We have got to make sure that they are rewarded for their efforts so they can continue creating. As part of this process it is essential that PPL work with the third sector to agree reasonable and appropriate tariffs. The Government want to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned. A mutually agreed solution is vital if the needs of both PPL members and the third sector are to be met. I remain confident that this will be possible.

Music: Licensing Laws

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment has been made of the likely effects on  (a) charities and  (b) other not-for-profit organisations in (i) Lancashire and (ii) England of the proposed changes to music licensing legislation.

David Lammy: The Government did not undertake any region by region or country by country assessment and therefore neither (i) Lancashire nor (ii) England were considered on an individual basis. However, as part of the consultation process a final impact assessment was commissioned from independent consultants, Europe Economics. This assessment estimated the impact on groups across the UK which would be affected. A shortened and updated form was published on 12 November 2009 with the Government response which was placed in the Library of the House. This contains a weblink to the full Europe Economics impact assessment.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and organisations concerned on licence fee levels. As part of this process it is essential that PPL work with the third sector to agree reasonable and appropriate tariffs. We value the contribution musical performers make to the economic and cultural success of our country. We have got to make sure that they are rewarded for their efforts so they can continue creating. The Government wants to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned. A mutually agreed solution is vital if the needs of both PPL members and the third sector are to be met. I remain confident that this will be possible.

Music: Licensing Laws

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the likely effect on village halls of the proposed changes to the music licensing regime.

David Lammy: As part of the Government's consultation process on the proposed changes to the music licensing regime, a final impact assessment was commissioned from independent consultants, Europe Economics. This specifically estimated the effects of the proposed changes on rural halls. The Government's response to the music licensing consultation, which was published on 12 November 2009, contained a summary of Europe Economics' impact assessment. The response and the accompanying summary were placed in the Library of the House.
	The exact impact will be determined by the outcome of consultations between Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and organisations concerned on licence fee levels. As part of this process it is essential that PPL work with the third sector to agree reasonable and appropriate tariffs. We value the contribution musical performers make to the economic and cultural success of our country. We have got to make sure that they are rewarded for their efforts so they can continue creating. The Government wants to ensure that discussions between PPL and the third sector are facilitated so that the outcome is satisfactory for all concerned. A mutually agreed solution is vital if the needs of both PPL members and the third sector are to be met. I remain confident that this will be possible.

Non-profit Making Associations

Margaret Moran: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which regional development agencies (RDAs) fund social enterprise networks in each county; how much each regional development agency has allocated to such networks in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: All nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have funded a regional social enterprise network covering all counties. It will be for individual Regional Development Agencies to consider what funding will be allocated to social enterprise in the future. The following table illustrates the amount of funding each RDA has allocated to social enterprise networks in their region in the last five financial years. RDAs also fund projects which may indirectly support social enterprise networks: we are unable to quantify this support and therefore it is not included in the data.
	
		
			  Funding (£000) 
			  RDA  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 AWM 0 0 11 318 253 
			 EEDA 62 170 175 160 160 
			 EMDA 1036 1161 535 665 611 
			 LDA 64 0 0 100 207 
			 NWDA(1) 683 945 1541 737 534 
			 ONE 171 200 190 142 0 
			 SEEDA 0 158 179 145 75 
			 South West RDA 288 245 520 398 278 
			 Yorkshire Forward 0 0 26 89 53 
			 (1) NWDA funding for social enterprise programmes is not solely for general network support but includes specifically contracted services and outputs, such as developing procurement opportunities, start ups and growth, developing management skills, training support and promoting awareness of the benefits of social enterprise. It is not possible to isolate the costs of each component. Some programmes include other income such as the European Regional Development Fund.

Non-profit Making Associations

Margaret Moran: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills by what mechanisms his Department monitors the  (a) performance and  (b) value for money of regional development agencies in assisting social enterprises.

Rosie Winterton: The RDAs produce corporate plans setting out corporate objectives and expenditure plans across all major activities including social enterprise. Progress against these plans is subsequently reviewed and reported in the RDA's annual report and accounts. RDAs are also required to undertake impact evaluations of their major projects. That work was recently collected together in a report Impact of RDA Spending carried out on the Department's behalf by PriceWaterhouseCoopers which provided an overall assessment of RDAs' effectiveness. The report concluded that RDA expenditure produced economic benefits in all regions.
	The Office of the Third Sector's Social Enterprise Action Plan announced £5.9 million for the regional development agencies to March 2011 to improve social enterprise support via Business Link. A formal evaluation of the programme by the Office of the Third Sector has begun, with BIS involvement, and will provide a mechanism to share results across the country, with central Government and with the sector. A report on the early stages of the programme has recently been published on the OTS website:
	http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/cabinetoffice/third_sector/assets/se_action_plan_2006.pdf

Regional Development Agencies: Offices

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what guidance his Department has given to regional development agencies on opening offices overseas.

Rosie Winterton: In the case of the eight English RDAs outside London, where they maintain representation overseas to achieve regional priorities, those have been set by consulting with stakeholders and partners on the Regional Economic Strategy and Corporate Plans. Each agency is required to seek and obtain prior ministerial approval through UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) for any proposal to extend or create new overseas offices involved in inward investment or trade promotion activities.
	On inward investment RDAs have agreed to observe guidance on joint activity planning, evaluation and information sharing with UKTI's overseas teams and use of a common UK brand. This guidance also encourages them to explore opportunities for co-location and joint management by UKTI's overseas teams.
	On trade promotion, as agreed by RDA chairs and Ministers in 2003, UKTI continues to operate as the international trade arm of the RDAs.

Regional European Offices

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar of 17 December 2007,  Official Report, column 1156W, on regional European offices: expenditure, what the postal address is of each regional European office in  (a) Brussels and  (b) Strasbourg; how many staff work at each; and how much each received from the public purse in the latest period for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: There are offices for each region in Brussels which are funded by a wide range of regional stakeholders such as local authorities, and other public and private sector organisations. Records on funding are not centrally held. There are no regional offices in Strasbourg.
	The following table shows postal addresses of each regional European office in Brussels and staff employed:
	
		
			  Title  Postal address  Number of staff (FTEs) 
			 East of England Brussels Office Rue du Trône 4, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium 4.6 
			 England's East Midlands European Office Avenue d'Auderghem 22-28, Brussels 1040, Belguim 5 
			 London's European Office Rue du Trône 108, 1050 Brussels, Belgium 4 
			 North East England in Europe Coulevard St Michel 80, 1040 Brussels, Belgium 4 
			 North West Brussels Office Rue du Marteau 21, Brussels B-1000, Belgium 2 
			 South East England Brussels Office Rue du Commerce 45 1000 Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium 2 
			 South West UK in Europe Brussels Office 11 Rond Point Schuman 1040 Brussels, Belgium (1)6 
			 West Midlands in Europe Office Avenue d'Auderghem, 22-28 Oudergemselaan, 22-28 B-1040 Brussels Belgium 8 
			 Yorkshireurope Rue de Commerce, 45, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium (2)- 
			 (1) Staff based in the region. (2) Yorkshire Forward manages this regional representation office in Brussels on behalf of partners in the region. The office moved from premises on Avenue de Cortenbergh to a more cost-effective, shared office on 1 May 2009. No staff were employed in the office at the end of the financial year 2008-09 however there were three staff employed for a significant period during the financial year.

Roads: Snow and Ice

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how much rock salt for use on roads was exported from the UK between 1 November 2009 and 18 January 2010.

Ian Lucas: Trade data are available on a monthly basis. The latest HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics cover November 2009. The figures for salt are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Tonnes 
			   November 2009 
			  CN codes  Exports  Imports 
			 2501: Salt including table salt and denatured salt, pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution, sea water 28,728 15,280 
			  Of which:   
			 25010010: Sea water and salt liquors 504 425 
			 25010031: Common salt etc. for chemical transformation (separation of sodium from chlorine) for the manufacture of other products 21 96 
			 25010051: Common salt denatured or for industrial uses, other than preservation or preparation of foodstuffs for human or animal consumption 13,275 10,439 
			 25010091: Common salt etc., other than for chemical, denatured or industrial uses, salt suitable for human consumption 5,665 2,509 
			 25010099: Common salt etc., other than for chemical, denatured or industrial uses, other than salt suitable for human consumption 9,263 1,811

Shop Direct: Burnley

Kitty Ussher: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to protect Shop Direct workers facing possible redundancy in Burnley.

Ian Lucas: Job Centre Plus, Burnley council and the NWDA are working with Shop Direct to identify employment and re-training opportunities for staff affected by the confirmed closure of the Burnley call centre. Each displaced member of staff will be offered outplacement services by a combination of Shop Direct and Job Centre Plus, to assist in seeking new employment, pursuing potential retraining opportunities and assessing other alternatives such as early retirement. In addition, it is understood that staff will be eligible to apply for newly created posts at nearby call centres in Preston and Bolton.

Shop Direct: Burnley

Kitty Ussher: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if officials of his Department will meet representatives of Shop Direct to discuss measures to protect jobs at the Burnley site.

Ian Lucas: The North West Development Agency (NWDA) represented BIS at a meeting with Shop Direct on 3 February, which confirmed the Burnley call centre will close. The NWDA will represent BIS at any further meetings with the company, following confidential discussions between Shop Direct and GMB and USDAW on the statutory consultation process.

Vocational Training: Hemsworth

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of women in Hemsworth constituency who have visited an information and communications technology training centre in order to gain return to work skills in each year since 1997.

Kevin Brennan: Information is not available on the number of learners who have visited an ICT training centre.
	The following table shows participation by females in LSC-funded learning, within the information and communications technology (ICT) sector subject area. Information is given from 2005/06 onwards, the earliest year for which we have comparable information.
	
		
			  Females on courses in the information and communications technology sector subject area, Hemsworth parliamentary constituency 
			   Further education enrolments  Apprenticeship starts  Train to Gain starts 
			 2005/06 1,860 - - 
			 2006/07 1,340 - - 
			 2007/08 1,290 - - 
			 2008/09(1) (Provisional) 1,290 10 30 
			 (1) FE and Train to Gain figures for 2008/09 are not directly comparable to earlier years as the introduction of demand led funding has changed how data are collected and how funded learners are defined from 2008/09 onwards. More information on demand-led funding is available at: http://www.lsc.gov.uk/providers/funding-policy/demand-led-funding.htm  Notes: 1. FE enrolment figures for 2008/09 are provisional. Other figures are final. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten. 3. '-' indicates a figure of less than five. 4. Figures for Hemsworth parliamentary constituency are based upon home postcode of the learner. 5. Figures for Further Education include further education, adult and community learning, University for Industry. 6. Figures for further education are based on aims/enrolments-an aim will be counted in every year for which a learner is participating on that course. A learner may participate on more than one aim.  Source: Individualised Learner Record